The Asiatic lion population in Gujarat has increased, with 891 lions estimated in the state, according to data released in May 2025. Population estimation of Asiatic lions is carried out once every five years.
Since the census in 2001, when 327 were recorded, the lion population has grown by nearly 172%, shared Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel while announcing the latest census information in Gandhinagar on May 21.
Patel said that the latest count includes 196 males, 330 females, and a significant number of cubs and sub-adults. “The growth in the lion population is not only a result of favourable geographic and climatic conditions but also reflects the state government’s consistent and dedicated efforts towards wildlife conservation,” said Chief Minister Patel in his statement.
While releasing the figures, he added, “The lion population rose from 327 in 2001 to 359 in 2005, 411 in 2010, 523 in 2015, 674 in 2020, and has now reached 891.”
Lions are no longer confined to their traditional habitat in Gir National Park in Gujarat; they are now seen across a much wider range.
The lion population estimation process was conducted using the Direct Beat Verification method combined with the Block Count method, where lions were counted based on direct sightings at the block level. This method requires fewer human resources, is less time-consuming, cost-effective, and flexible enough to incorporate new technology.
This year’s survey, held from May 10 to 13, covered 35,000 sq. km. across 11 districts and 58 talukas. It involved 3,854 participants, including local sarpanches, village residents, forest staff, and government officials.
Digital cameras, camera traps, radio collars, and GPS-enabled devices were used, along with the e-Gujforest app, which allowed for real-time recording of lion locations and photographs. GIS software was used to map the survey area, and an AI-based software helped identify individual lions.
Photographs taken using digital cameras and camera traps were used to identify individual lions, while some lions were fitted with radio collars to monitor their movements and the activities of their groups.
The collected data was extracted, analysed, and mapped using GIS and statistical software, enabling a comprehensive understanding of population trends and facilitating comparisons with previous lion population estimates.
Project Lion, currently being implemented in Gujarat’s Gir landscape, aims to secure and restore lion habitats, promote community-based eco-development, and establish India as a global centre for big cat disease diagnostics, Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on February 13, 2025.
As informed by the State Government of Gujarat, the allocation of funds for the protection of Asiatic lions over the past three years was ₹91.03 crore in 2021-22, ₹129.16 crore in 2022-23, and ₹155.53 crore in 2023-24.
The Asiatic lion is classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, having been upgraded from the critically endangered category in 2008.
Banner image: Image by Bijit Sarkar via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
