Gujarat is popularly known to inhabit Asiatic lions exclusively at the Gir Forests and there’s good news. The numbers of these majestic lions have increased exponentially.
The population of these creatures, who were once on the verge of getting extinct have risen by 29%. This news was announced by PM Modi who also mentioned how geographically their distribution area was also up by 36%.
Two very good news:
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 10, 2020
Population of the majestic Asiatic Lion, living in Gujarat’s Gir Forest, is up by almost 29%.
Geographically, distribution area is up by 36%.
Kudos to the people of Gujarat and all those whose efforts have led to this excellent feat.https://t.co/vUKngxOCa7 pic.twitter.com/TEIT2424vF
The PM further added how this increase in numbers was a collective effort of of community participation, emphasis on technology and wildlife healthcare.
Over the last several years, the Lion population in Gujarat has been steadily rising. This is powered by community participation, emphasis on technology, wildlife healthcare, proper habitat management and steps to minimise human-lion conflict. Hope this positive trend continues!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 10, 2020
According to the State Forest Department, the population is 674 including males, females and cubs. During 2015, the baseline was 523 lions, a 27% increase from the estimation of 2010. Moreover, the distribution of the lions expanded from 22,000 sq. km in 2015 to 30,000 sq. km in 2020.
A Comprehensive effort by all the major contributors to the current success of #conservation of our #Gir #lions.#AsiaticLions pic.twitter.com/9ZBczBuv1Z
— GujaratForestDept (@GujForestDept) June 11, 2020
Twitter lauded this amazing news.
This is great news. Thank you for sharing sir. It reflects good work by government towards wildlife conservation.
— Kashyap Patel 🇮🇳 (@kashyap9991) June 10, 2020
Wow! Great news..!! It gives me immense pleasure nd feeling of contentment when i see such positive spectacular come back of nature nd wildlife…..
— Being_Me🌷 प्रमोद 🙋 (@myselfpramo) June 10, 2020
😍😍
Congratulations to the entire team of Gujarat Forest Department.
— Ankit Kumar, IFS (@AnkitKumar_IFS) June 10, 2020
According to the State Forest Department, the population estimation of Asiatic Lions is conducted at an interval of five years. It conducted an exercise familiarly called ‘Poonam Avlokan’ in order to develop an understanding of the current population status and distribution.
The population of these majestic creatures have been rising steadily over the last 20 years. In 2005, India counted 359 Asiatic lions, in 2010, the population rose to 411 lions. Then 523 in 2015 and finally 674 this year.
