NEWS:  Union Environment of Indiaà inaugurated the ‘Lion’ Species Spotlight Programme at Sasan Gir, Gujarat.

ABOUT

·         The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica)à Majestic subspecies of lion and is the only wild population of lions found outside of Africa.

·         Keystone species of the dry deciduous forests and open grassy scrublands of the Saurashtra region.

Habitat & Distribution

·         Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujaratà is the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion in the world.

·         Due to successful conservation, the population has expanded into the Greater Gir Landscape, covering several districts including Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Somnath.

·         The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary à developed as a second home for the natural dispersal of lions to safeguard the species against localized threats like disease.

Current Status

·         According to the 16th Lion Population Estimation (May 2025), the count has risen to 891 individuals, representing a 32% increase since 2020.

Legal Protection:

·         Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule-I (Highest protection).

·         CITES: Appendix-I.

·         IUCN Red List: Listed as Vulnerable

·         ‘Project Lion’ (launched in 2020)à Focuses on landscape-based conservation, habitat restoration, and building ecological resilience.

Key Characteristics of Asiatic Lions:

·         Slightly smaller than African lions; males weigh 160–190 kg, and females weigh 110–120 kg.

·         The most distinctive feature à longitudinal fold of skin running along the belly, which is rare in African lions.

·         Males have a shorter, moderate mane compared to African lions, leaving their ears visible.

·         They live in smaller prides; interestingly, male Asiatic lions are less social than their African counterparts and often associate with females only for mating or large kills.

·         Their fur ranges from ruddy-tawny to sandy or buff-grey, often with a silvery sheen.