Bhupender Yadav Launches ‘Lion’ Species Spotlight Programme at Sasan Gir

The ‘Lion’ Species Spotlight Programme at Sasan Gir was launched just ahead of the IBCA Summit 2026. This initiative will reflects the India’s commitment to conservation of biodiversity through ecological sustainability.

‘Lion’ Spotlight Program Launched in Gir

The ‘Lion’ Species Spotlight Program was organized as a pre-event to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit of 2026.

The event focused on lion conservation efforts in India, also highlighted global challenges faced by lion populations and promoted the international cooperation among lion range countries.

It also included the educational presentations, conservation films and participation from the students and experts.

Gir: A Model of Conservation and Development

According to Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel stated that Gir is a living example of how the economic growth and wildlife conservation can coexist.

Key Points of His Address

• The strong community participation in conservation.
• Lions are deeply rooted in the local culture and identity.
• Sustainable development practices supports the biodiversity.

The Gir ecosystem proves that the ecological balance and human progress can go hand in hand.

IBCA Summit 2026

India will host the first ever IBCA Summit in New Delhi on June 1-2, 2026 under the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

About IBCA

• It is the global alliance for Big Cat conservation.
• Covers 7 species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma
• The summit will see the participation from 95 countries and over 400 delegates.

The summit aims to strengthen the,

• International cooperation
• Scientific research
• Conservation funding and policies

India’s Lion Conservation Success Story

India has achieved the remarkable success in protecting the Asiatic lion which now survives only in the Gir landscape.

Latest Data

The total pion population reached 891 in 2025.
It also saw 32% increase compared to 2020.

Why This Matters

The Asiatic lion once faced the threat which nears extinction.

Now it is the global conservation success story and shows effectiveness of the long-term policy and protection measures.

Project Lion and Long Term Conservation

The Government of India launched Project Lion in the year 2020 to ensure sustainable conservation.

Key Features of Project Lion

• The habitat restoration and expansion
• Scientific population monitoring
• Development of the new habitats like Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
• Strengthening the ecological resilience

This approach ensures that lion populations continue to grow without putting any pressure on a single habitat.

Legal Protection and Ecological Importance

The Asiatic lion enjoys the highest level of the protection.

• It is listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Also included in Appendix-I of CITES.

Ecological Role of Lions

• They are apex predators who controls the herbivore populations
• Maintains the ecological balance
• Also supports the biodiversity