Source: NDTV
Context: The 16th Lion Population Estimation report (2025) revealed that India’s Asiatic lion population has risen from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025.
About 16th Lion Population Estimation Report:
- What It Is?
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- A periodic wildlife census that assesses the population, distribution, and demographic trends of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica).
- Conducted By: Gujarat Forest Department
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- Supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under Project Lion.
- Key Estimations (2025):
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- Total Population – 891 lions (rise of 32.2% from 2020).
- Adult Females – Increased from 260 to 330 (rise of 26.9%), enhancing reproductive potential.
- Satellite Populations – 497 lions across nine locations including Barda WLS, Jetpur, Babra-Jasdan.
- Corridor Records – First-time sighting of 22 lions in wildlife corridors.
- Regional Trends –
- Highest population: Amreli district – 82 adult males, 117 adult females, 79 cubs.
- Highest growth: Mitiyala WLS (rise of 100%), Bhavnagar Mainland (rise of 84%), South Eastern Coast (rise of 40%).
- Declines: Girnar WLS (loss of 4%), Bhavnagar Coast (loss of 12%).
- Significance:
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- Conservation Success – Population grew by 70.36% in the last decade, range expanded by nearly 60%.
- Ecological Importance – Asiatic lions are keystone species maintaining grassland and scrubland balance.
- Cultural Heritage – Sole surviving wild population in the world, confined to Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
