📝 हिंदी सारांश (Short Summary)
भारत में एशियाई शेरों की संख्या में ऐतिहासिक वृद्धि दर्ज की गई है। 2025 की जनगणना के अनुसार, गुजरात के गिर क्षेत्र में शेरों की संख्या 674 (2020) से बढ़कर 891 हो गई है, जो 32% की प्रभावशाली वृद्धि है। यह लेख शेरों के सफल संरक्षण प्रयासों, उनके विस्तारित आवास (habitat) और मानव-वन्यजीव संघर्ष जैसी चुनौतियों पर विस्तृत जानकारी प्रदान करता है। यह जानकारी पर्यावरण प्रेमियों और प्रतियोगी परीक्षाओं की तैयारी करने वाले छात्रों के लिए अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण है।
🦁 What is the Asiatic Lion?
The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo leo) is a majestic subspecies of lion and is the only wild population of lions found outside Africa. Historically, these big cats ranged across West Asia and the Middle East, but by the early 20th century, they were pushed to the brink of extinction. Today, they survive exclusively in the Gir Forest National Park and its surrounding areas in Gujarat, India.
Often referred to as the “King of the Jungle” in Indian culture, the Asiatic lion is distinguished from its African counterpart by a longitudinal fold of skin running along its belly and a shorter mane in males. Their survival is a testament to India’s dedicated conservation model, which combines government action with community support.
📊 Latest Population Data (2025 Census)
The 16th Asiatic Lion Census conducted in May 2025 brought groundbreaking news for wildlife enthusiasts. The population of Asiatic lions has officially reached 891 individuals. This marks a staggering 32% increase from the 2020 count of 674 lions.
Key findings from the 2025 data include:
- ✅ Growth Rate: The population continues to show a healthy annual growth rate.
- ✅ Gender Ratio: The ratio of male to female lions remains stable, ensuring sustainable breeding.
- ✅ Cubs: A significant number of healthy cubs were spotted, indicating a robust next generation.
📈 Population Growth Trend (Year-wise)
Source: Official 16th Lion Population Estimation Report, Gujarat Forest Department.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
One of the most remarkable aspects of the recent growth is the expansion of the lion’s range. The territory occupied by lions has expanded from approximately 30,000 sq km in 2020 to over 35,000 sq km in 2025. This 16.6% increase in range shows that lions are reclaiming their historical landscapes beyond the Gir National Park.
Lions are now increasingly found in the ‘Greater Gir’ landscape, which includes revenue areas, coastal belts, and agricultural farms. While this expansion is a sign of a healthy population, it brings the lions into closer proximity with human settlements, necessitating a focus on co-existence.
🛡️ Key Conservation Measures
The success of the “Gir Model” of conservation is attributed to several proactive steps taken by the government and local communities:
Project Lion
A dedicated 10-year project with a budget of nearly ₹2,900 crore focuses on habitat improvement.
Advanced Monitoring
Use of radio telemetry and GPS collars allows tracking lion movements in real-time.
Vanya Prani Mitra
Local youth are engaged to monitor lion movements and mitigate conflicts.
Health Infrastructure
State-of-the-art hospitals to handle diseases like Canine Distemper Virus (CDV).
⚠️ Major Challenges Ahead
- Genetic Isolation: Population resides in one area, making them vulnerable to disasters.
- Conflict: Attacks on livestock and encounters in agricultural fields.
- Hazards: Electrocution from farm fences and falling into open wells.
- Illegal Tourism: Unauthorized “lion shows” on private lands.
🎯 Conclusion & Message for Readers
The rise of the Asiatic lion population to 891 is a moment of pride for India. It reflects the success of a conservation strategy that prioritizes local community involvement and modern technology.
Message for Jharkhandi Readers:
While lions are native to Gujarat, their conservation story offers valuable lessons for Jharkhand’s own wildlife, such as elephants and tigers. Protecting our natural corridors and fostering a culture of co-existence is the key to preserving India’s rich biodiversity.
