Why is lion population growth a concern?

• Amreli district reported the highest population of 339 lions, followed by the Gir-Somnath district region (222 lions) and Junagadh (191 lions).

• The area where lions are present expanded from 10,000 sq. km to 12,000 sq. km from 1995 to 2001, and to 20,000 sq. km from 2005 to 2010.

• The area reached 35,000 sq. km by 2025, a 16.67% increase over the 2020 figure.

Challenges:

• The rise in lion presence outside the core zone, which is a concern, could lead to more animal-human conflicts and economic losses for those living in close proximity.

• The growth in lion numbers is attributed to conservation efforts by the Gujarat government and the “tolerance” exhibited by resident communities.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a ‘Project Lion’ conservation program worth ₹2,927 crore, with plans to develop the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary and create greater incentives for conservation.