Why is a growing lion’s population also a concern? | Explained

File image of an Asian lioness with its two seven -month -old Cubs in Sakkarbaugh Safari Breeding Center in Junagadh | Photocredit: The Hindu

The story so far: The Gujarat Forest Department has released results this week of the 16th lion population, popularly called the ‘Lion Census’. This was the first such census since 2020.

What are the most important findings?

The Wild Lion population of India, all concentrated in Gujarat, rose by 32% from 2020-25, reported in the last survey with 891 lions. The number of adult women – an indicator for future growth – rose 27% to 330 people. While the heart of the lion’s population is still GIR, the current population access includes new satellite populations. They are spotted in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Jetpur and adjacent areas, Babra-Jasdan and adjacent areas, which increases the total number of Asian lions in satellite populations to 497 in nine of such regions. The lion’s population has increased by 70.36% over the past decade (523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025), while the distribution area has increased by 59.09%, the report noted.

The Amreli district reported the highest population of 339 lions. This was followed by the Gir-Somnath District region (222 Lions) and Junagadh (191 Lions).

How does the spatial coverage of the grown lions?

From 1995 to 2001 the area where Lions are present has been expanded from 10,000 square kilometers to 12,000 km², which marks an increase of 20%. By 2005 it reached 13,000 square km km, with an increase of 8.3% compared to the earlier estimate. A more substantial expansion took place between 2005 and 2010, where the area grew to 20,000 square kilometers, an increase of 53.8%. In 2015, the spread continued to 22,000 square kilometers, an increase of 10%. From 2015 to 2020, the range extended to 30,000 square meters, due to a growth of 36.4%. Finally, the area reached 35,000 square kilometers by 2025 and registered an increase of 16.67% compared to the 2020 figure. This progressive expansion shows consistent access growth and is attributed to conservation efforts and natural lion’s spreads. From 1990 to 2025 the area has grown about five -time, while the lion’s population has grown approximately triple.

How are lions counted?

The last survey was carried out from 10-13 May 2025. The estimate included approximately 35,000 square kilometers, with 11 districts and 58 Tehsils. The region was divided into 735 sampling units and each sampling unit had a counter and two assistants, which guarantees a thorough survey and data collection. “Direct observations observations were included in the prescribed forms, including the characteristics of each individual digital cameras to record photos to support the individual identification. The cross -verification with adjacent sampling units, sub -zones, zones and regions helped to guarantee the report and removed the duplication,” To improve transparency and credibility, experts from different areas, members of the State Board for Wildlife and individuals who are experienced in group dynamics and pride behavior were invited as independent observers. The estimation exercise included 3,254 people, the report noted.

Can the lion population unabated?

The growth in the number of lions, although a positive sign is as far as preservation, has its own challenges. Firstly, the rise in the presence of lion in areas outside the core zone – a phenomenon has been observed since one and a half decade – now – a concern. This means that lions are present in places with human settlements, which can lead to more animal-human conflicts that cause economic losses for those who live in the vicinity of the lions. For decades it has been established that lions grow not only in Gujarat because of the conservation efforts of the Garjarat government, such as ensuring sufficient prey such as wild boar, but also the “tolerance” shown by resident communities such as the pastoral maldharis against the animals. Over the years they have shown that they are used to lions that hunt their cattle, although such losses are compensated by the government. However, experts such as YV Jhala, former Dean, Wildlife Institute or India, have said that although Gujarat can organize up to 2,000 lions, it is crucial that they live in unspoilt regions, with preferably no human presence.

What are the future plans for lion retention?

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a ‘Project Lion’ nature protection program well worth £ 2,927 crore. The first step below is the development of the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, which already houses a substantial population of 17 lions. Other plans include involving communities in tourism and creating larger stimuli for conservation.