Upcoming Asiatic lion census raises Gujarat forest dept’s anxiety as they move in unprotected zones

The Asiatic lion census scheduled for May 16 is expected to show an increase in lion numbers, as has been the trend since the first official lion census began in 1979.

However, statistics from the last three censuses and the current situation in and around the forest areas raise several concerns. One of the key issues is that the Gir forest, the primary habitat for lions, has reached its full capacity.

As per the latest data, the lion population is now expanding mainly outside the forest, in unprotected areas. However, these areas are under increasing pressure from human encroachment, leading to uncertainty about how to accurately account for lions living outside the forest.

As the lions residing outside the forest area match those living within, industrialisation has made the survival difficult of those outside protected zones.

According to the last published census report, there were 345 lions in the forest and 329 lions living outside — meaning more than 48% of the population now reside beyond protected areas. 

A look at the last three censuses, conducted every five years, shows the lion population within the forest ranged between 337 and 356. Notably, the 2020 census showed a decline of 11 lions inside the forest compared to previous years.