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An Asiatic Lioness with her two Seven month old cubs at Sakkarbaugh Safari breeding centre in Junagadh on May, 06, 2025.
| Photo Credit: VIJAY SONEJI
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Sunday (August 10, 2025) said the rise in the Asiatic lion population in Gujarat reflected India’s intimate relationship with nature and wildlife.
“India has given a commitment to the world to work for nature’s conservation through the rehabilitation of wildlife,” Mr. Yadav said at a World Lion Day function in Timbdi village under the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat.
As per the census conducted in May this year, the estimated population of Asiatic lion has increased to 891 from 674 five years ago.
“The growth of India’s lion population since 1889 (when the last Asiatic lions were seen) shows our intimate relationship with nature and wildlife,” Mr. Yadav said.
He said the resolution made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year to boost Gujarat’s lion population and develop the Barda Sanctuary as a new habitat had been fulfilled.
Conservation efforts
Mr. Yadav said climate change had brought challenges such as heavy rain and cyclones. To address these, Mr. Modi had initiated global efforts such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the International Solar Alliance. “In addition, the International Big Cat Alliance has been established. Conservation work has been undertaken for five of the seven big cat species found in India. Asiatic lions are only found in India, and that too in Gir, and Gujarat gets 100% of the pride for their conservation,” he said.
The Minister praised the unique bond between the pastoralist Maldhari community and lions as a model of coexistence. “If one wants to see the example of wildlife conservation, they should visit Gir, observe the work of the State government, and witness the lifestyle of the Maldhari and other local communities,” he said.
Mr. Yadav said the number of tiger reserves in India had risen to 58 from 47 during Mr. Modi’s tenure, and they host 70% of the global tiger population. Snow leopard conservation efforts continue, with their population in India currently at 714.
On cheetah reintroduction, he said, “Bringing African cheetahs to India was a challenge, but we successfully rehabilitated them.” He also mentioned ongoing projects such as Project Lion, Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Project Dolphin, and Project Great Indian Bustard, which are reinforcing India’s conservation leadership.
Mr. Yadav said two more species of big cats — jaguar and puma — are found in Latin America, and quoted Mr. Modi’s call for global cooperation in conserving all seven big cat species found across 97 countries, especially in Africa and Asia, through knowledge sharing, artificial intelligence, and technology.
CM launches projects
On the occasion, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched 11 eco-development projects worth ₹189 crore, including a new safari park, interpretation centre, and breeding centre at Barda.
Expressing joy that after a gap of 143 years, lions had naturally begun re-inhabiting the Barda hills, he said Mr. Modi had announced all necessary support facilities for lion conservation in the area. “Due to the PM’s vision and the proactive work of the forest department, the successful conservation story of Gir’s lions has gained global recognition. To ensure that the glory of our Vanraj (Lion King) remains intact and continues to grow, ‘Project Lion’ was launched, covering lion habitat and population management, wildlife health, human-animal conflict mitigation, cooperation with local communities, tourism development, scientific research and training, eco-development, and biodiversity conservation,” he said.
Published – August 10, 2025 09:43 pm IST
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