In News:

India celebrated World Lion Day 2025 at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, marking a milestone in wildlife conservation. The event highlighted the success of Project Lion, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15th August 2020, and underscored India’s global leadership in protecting the endangered Asiatic Lion (Panthera leopersica).

Status of Asiatic Lions

• Population Growth: Numbers rose from 284 in 1990 to 674 in 2020, and further to 891 in 2025(16th Lion Census). This reflects a 32% increase since 2020 and 70% rise over the last decade.
• Distribution: The lions roam across ~35,000 sq. km in 11 districts of Saurashtra, with Gir National Park as the core habitat. In recent years, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (192 sq. km) has emerged as a second home, hosting 17 lions including 11 cubs.
• Global Significance: If Asiatic lions survive anywhere today, it is solely in India—making their conservation a matter of both ecological and national pride.

Ecological and Cultural Importance

• Apex Predators: Regulate herbivore populations, prevent overgrazing, and maintain ecosystem balance.
• Cultural Symbolism: Depicted on the National Emblem and Indian currency, symbolizing strength and heritage.
• Unique Traits: Asiatic lions are smaller than African lions, with a distinct belly fold and less prominent mane (ears remain visible).

Conservation Measures

1. Project Lion (2020–2030)

• Budget: ?2,927 crore sanctioned.
• Focus Areas:
  • Habitat improvement and prey base augmentation.
  • Scientific monitoring using GPS, GIS-based real-time surveillance, and automated sensor grids.
  • Veterinary healthcare (National Referral Centre at Junagadh).
  • Human–wildlife conflict mitigation.
  • Community participation and eco-tourism.

2. Greater Gir Concept: Expands protected landscapes toGirnar, Pania, Mitiyala, and Bardasanctuaries to reduce habitat pressure.

3. Recent Developments

• ?180 crore wildlife and ecotourism initiative launched in 2025 for new habitats, safari park, and veterinary facilities.
• Barda Safari Park & Zoo approved to boost ecotourism and conservation.
• Return of lions to Barda after 143 years, enhancing biodiversity and eco-tourism potential.

4. Global Cooperation

• International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA, 2023): A platform of 97 countries for sharing knowledge and resources on big cat conservation.

Conservation Status

• Panthera leo (Lion)IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (Green Status: Largely Depleted).
• CITES: Appendix I.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I species.
• Part of India’s Species Recovery Programme under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme – Development of Wildlife Habitat.