World Lion Day: Lion population is 891, now spread across 11 districts, 35,000 sq km of Gujarat

The ‘pride’ of Gujarat and India, the Asiatic lion population, is now 891, marking a 32% growth in the last five years. Lions are now spread across 11 districts of Gujarat, covering 35,000 sq km compared to 13,000 sq km in 2005, with 359 big cats.

With the aim of spreading greater public awareness about lions and ensuring their proper conservation and protection, World Lion Day is celebrated every year on August 10 in Gujarat as well as globally. 

On the initiative of the Forest Department, celebrations will be held in 11 districts of Saurashtra—Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar, and Botad.

The only home of the majestic Asiatic lions, the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1965, followed by the declaration of the Gir National Park in 1975. 

Gir National Park covers 258.71 sq km, while the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary spans 1,151.59 sq km. The Gir forest area includes Gir National Park, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Pania Wildlife Sanctuary, Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary, and lion habitats spread across Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Amreli districts. Gir’s unique and diverse ecosystem boasts an exceptionally rich variety of flora, with 631 recorded plant species.

Barda area becomes second habitat for lions

Declared a sanctuary in 1979, Barda was historically the hunting ground of the Porbandar and Jamnagar royal families. Today, it has become an important habitat for Asiatic lion conservation under a broad, strategic vision. 

With the launch of jungle safaris here, new employment opportunities have emerged. By March 2025, 2,271 tourists had availed this facility. For eco-tourism development in the Barda area, an allocation of ₹10 crore has been made.

As per the May 2025 lion census estimates, the lion population has risen by around 32% compared to 2020, increasing from 674 to 891.

Over 1 million visitors recorded

From 2007–08 to 2024–25, more than 9.61 lakh tourists visited Gir Sanctuary, Devaliya, and Ambardi, getting a close view of the Asiatic lion. Notably, Gir forest’s unique and diverse ecosystem harbors 631 recorded plant species. In terms of fauna diversity, it hosts 41 species of mammals, 338 species of birds, and 47 species of reptiles.

Lesser-known facts about lions

• The average lifespan of a lion is 30 to 40 years.
• Lions do not have a fixed breeding season, but in Gir, mating mostly occurs in October–November, and lionesses usually give birth in January–February.
• A lioness reaches maturity at 2.5 to 3 years of age. The gestation period is about four months, and she usually gives birth to two cubs at a time.
• When lion cubs are about one year old, they lose their milk teeth and permanent teeth begin to grow. 
• In raising the cubs, the lion also helps the lioness.

Lion population in Gujarat over the years