Former Gujarat wildlife chief backs lion translocation, questions current conservation approach

The debate over relocating Asiatic lions from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park has resurfaced, with former Gujarat Chief Wildlife Warden A K Sharma arguing that translocation of surplus lions has become necessary and raising concerns about what he described as shortcomings in current wildlife management practices.

The issue regained attention after local residents near Kuno National Park renewed their demand for lion translocation during the President’s recent visit to the reserve. They noted that more than 4,500 families from 25 villages were relocated over a decade ago to create a suitable habitat for the species, but the planned relocation has yet to take place.

Sharma calls for scientific management

Sharma said the growing number of lions moving into human settlements reflects the need for a more scientific approach to conservation.

“Lions are now seen roaming village roads like stray dogs. It is not appropriate to see lions contracting diseases, attacking people, chasing vehicles and being repeatedly rescued, vaccinated or treated. This is not scientific wildlife management,” he said.

According to Sharma, forests such as Gir, Barda and Bhavnagar should support lion populations only up to their ecological carrying capacity. Lions exceeding that limit, he argued, should be relocated to other suitable forest habitats to ensure long-term conservation of the species.

He said translocation would help reduce pressure on existing habitats while creating additional secure populations of Asiatic lions outside Gujarat.

Calls for a Greater Gir conservation strategy

Not all conservationists agree that relocation should be the immediate priority.

Former State Board for Wildlife member Bhupen Pandya said Gujarat should focus on strengthening conservation efforts within the state. He suggested developing a comprehensive Greater Gir Management Plan to secure the long-term future of Asiatic lions rather than relocating them to other states.

Pandya’s position reflects a longstanding view among some conservation stakeholders that Gujarat’s lion habitats should be further strengthened and expanded to accommodate the growing population.

Supreme Court order remains pending

Retired judge and wildlife conservation advocate Jaydev Dhadhal said there is no viable alternative to translocation and pointed to the Supreme Court’s 2013 directive ordering the relocation of a population of Asiatic lions to Kuno National Park.

Dhadhal said the court arrived at its decision after considering scientific and legal aspects of the issue. He added that implementation of the order remains pending and that a contempt petition related to the matter is currently before the court.

He also alleged that attention has shifted towards expanding wildlife safari tourism instead of carrying out the translocation plan.

According to Dhadhal, scientific relocation would provide a more sustainable conservation strategy as the lion population continues to expand beyond Gir. He argued that further expansion is increasingly constrained by urbanisation and geographical limitations, making the establishment of a second free-ranging population important for the species’ long-term survival.

Sharma’s conservation legacy

Sharma served as Gujarat’s Chief Wildlife Warden and is widely recognised for his contribution to wildlife conservation in the state.

In 1985, he sustained life-threatening injuries while protecting Gir Forest and its lions during a violent confrontation. He was later honoured by the President of India for his bravery and is credited with playing a significant role in the conservation of the Asiatic lion.