The number of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has gone up to 891, compared to 674 five years ago. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel shared this update on Wednesday, based on a new lion count done this month.The last lion census took place in June 2020, and at that time, 674 lions were recorded in the state.This year’s lion census was held from May 10 to 13 and lasted four days. It was carried out in two phases and covered a huge area, about 35,000 square kilometres, across 11 districts in Gujarat.

Around 3,000 people helped with the counting, including government officials and volunteers. The final counting was done on May 12 and 13. Lions were found in 58 talukas (administrative blocks) across the following 11 districts: Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar, and Botad. Officials said this rise in lion numbers shows that efforts to protect them are working well.

Asiatic lions, a sub-species of the African lion, are found only in India, specifically in the Gir National Park and surrounding areas in Gujarat. Unlike their African counterparts, Asiatic lions are slightly smaller, have a less developed mane, and a distinctive fold of skin along their bellies.

Once widespread across Asia, their population dwindled due to hunting and habitat loss. Today, Gir and its surrounding landscapes are their only natural habitat, making their conservation crucial. The Gujarat government, along with forest officials and wildlife experts, has taken several steps over the years to protect these lions, including setting up wildlife corridors, strengthening rescue teams, and conducting regular health check-ups.