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Asiatic Lion population rises to 891 in Gujarat’s Greater Gir
The 16th Lion population estimation (May 2025) records the Asiatic Lion population at 891 individuals across the Greater Gir landscape in Gujarat. The Government attributes the increase to strict legal protection, revival of the lions’ prey base, and a landscape-level conservation approach.
Asiatic Lion and Greater Gir Population Estimation:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Population trend (2015-2025) | The estimated population rises to 891 in 2025 from 523 in 2015, marking an increase of more than 70% in a decade. |
| Population trend (2020-2025) | The estimated population shows a 32% rise to 891 from 674 since 2020. |
| Early 1900s status | Only around 40-60 lions remain in and around Gir in the early 1900s due to overhunting and habitat loss. |
| Historical range | Historically, the Asiatic lion inhabits regions across Asia spanning from Persia and Mesopotamia to the Indian subcontinent. |
| Scientific name | The Asiatic lion is a subspecies scientifically known as Panthera leo persica. |
| Surviving natural wild population in India | The only natural wild population survives in India mainly in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. |
| IUCN status | The species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. |
| Diet composition | Wild prey account for about 74% of the lions’ diet: spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, and wild pig. |
| Protected area establishment | India establishes the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in 1965. |
| Protected zones mentioned | Further protected zones comprise Gir National Park and wildlife sanctuaries such as Girnar, Mitiyala, Pania, and Barda. |
| Notable expansion site | The return of lions to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat has been a notable part of the expansion. |
| Community role | Community participation is central to the conservation effort. |
| Project Lion coverage | Project Lion, launched in 2020, covers about 60,000 sq km of Saurashtra. |
| Global list of seven big cats | The global list of seven big cats comprises Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. |
| India and major big cat species (IBCA) | India is home to 5 of the 7 major big cat species recognized globally by the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), lacking only the Jaguar and the Puma. |