Final phase of Asiatic lion census begins in Sasan Gir
Updated: May 12th, 2025
The final phase of the Asiatic lion census has begun in the areas where lions reside in the Sasan Gir region – both forest and non-forest area.
In the first phase, preliminary estimates of the lion population were completed. The main census operations are set to begin from Monday.
According to forest department sources, the preliminary estimates indicate that over 300 lions are within forest areas, while approximately 400 lions are in non-forest areas. In the 2020 census, the lion population was recorded at 674, and the number is expected to have increased.
The counting will take place across 58 talukas in 11 districts, covering an area of 35,000 square kilometers.
The initial phase of the operation started on Saturday at 2 pm and continued until Sunday at 2 pm. After a 24-hour break, the final counting begins on Monday at 2 pm, and will continue until Tuesday at 2 pm.
More than 3,000 personnel have been deployed under the forest department’s leadership to locate and record lions using structured forms. The current phase will finalise the lion population figures across Gujarat’s lion habitats.
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