Gujarat’s Lion Population Grows by 32% Since 2020

In a landmark development for wildlife conservation in India, the Gujarat Forest Department has reported a 32% increase in the Asiatic lion population over the last five years, reaching 891 lions in 2025. This positive trend reflects the success of ongoing conservation efforts and habitat management under initiatives like Project Lion. However, the expanding lion territory now includes non-forested and human-populated areas, raising concerns about human-wildlife conflict.

Why in News?

On May 21, 2025, the Gujarat Forest Department released the 16th Asiatic Lion Census, highlighting a 32% increase in population since 2020. The update is significant as it underscores both conservation success and emerging challenges, particularly in human-wildlife coexistence. This follows the approval of Project Lion by PM Modi in March 2025, with a ₹2,900 crore outlay to improve lion habitats.

Background & Conservation Success

• The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) is found only in India, primarily in Gir National Park and its surroundings.
• From 2020 to 2025, lion numbers rose from 674 to 891, a 32% jump.
• Adult females increased to 330, a 27% rise, indicating strong future growth potential.

Expansion of Territory

• Lion range increased by 16.67% from 30,000 sq. km in 2020 to 35,000 sq. km in 2025.
• Over 50% of lions now live outside protected areas, entering 11 districts of Saurashtra, including coastal and non-forested zones.

New Satellite Populations

Satellite populations include 497 lions across 9 regions such as,

• Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
• Jetpur region
• Babra-Jasdan belt
• Mityala Wildlife Sanctuary (doubled to 32 lions)
• 22 lions now recorded in a corridor area for the first time.

Challenges and Human-Lion Conflicts

• Increasing encounters with humans
• 10% annual rise in livestock attacks across villages.
• 15% annual rise in livestock killed per village.
• Despite this, 61% of locals remain tolerant, but experts stress sustainable land-sharing strategies.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Gujarat’s Lion Population Grows by 32% Since 2020
Total Lion Population (2025)	891 (32% rise from 2020)
Adult Females (2025)	330 (27% rise)
Lion Range Area (2025)	35,000 sq. km (16.67% growth)
No. of Satellite Populations	9 regions with 497 lions
Project Lion Budget	₹2,900 crore
Conflict Indicators	10% increase in livestock attacks/year
Local Tolerance	61% of villagers tolerant of lion presence