Source: DD News
Context: Gujarat Chief Minister announced the completion of the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Census, reporting a population of 891 lions.
About 16th Asiatic Lion Census:
- Conducted By: Gujarat Forest Department under the supervision of the State Wildlife Division.
- Total Lion Population: 891 lions, including 196 adult males and rest include females, sub-adults, and cubs.
- Area Coverage: Spanned 35,000 sq km across 58 talukas in 11 districts.
- Census Methodology:
- Conducted in two phases:
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- Phase 1: Direct Beat Verification
- Phase 2: Final Enumeration
- Data Insights:
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- Notable range expansion beyond Gir forest.
- Growing habitat connectivity and stable sub-populations outside protected areas.
About Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica):
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (Recently it was reclassified as Vulnerable from Endangered status)
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
- Habitat:
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- Current Range: Gir National Park and surrounding areas in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
- Historical Range: From West Bengal to Madhya Pradesh in central India, and parts of West Asia.
- Biological & Physical Features:
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- Size: Males: 160–190 kg; Females: 110–120 kg.
- Height: Approx. 110 cm at shoulder; length up to 2.92 m (including tail).
- Distinct Feature: A visible belly fold, less prominent mane compared to African lions.
- Coat Color: Varies from sandy to buff-grey, sometimes with a silvery sheen.
- Social Structure: Lives in small prides, lesser in size and complexity than African lion groups.
