India’s endangered lion population increases to 600

Only in Gir

The lion, which once roamed across southwest Asia but is now restricted to the 1,400 square kilometre (545 square mile) Gir sanctuary in Gujarat state, was listed as critically endangered in 2000, with its population under threat due to hunting and human encroachment on its habitat.

A recent unofficial count found more than 600 lions in the area, up from 523 in a 2015 census, Gujarat’s chief minister Vijay Rupani said.

“Our efforts for lion conservation with support of local people have yielded good results. The number of lions now in Gujarat has reached the 600 mark,” Rupani said.

Avoiding risks

Gadhvi predicted a “steady growth” in numbers in coming years. The next official census will be in 2020.

Conservationists have suggested relocating some of the cats to another sanctuary, to reduce human-animal conflict and avoid the risk of the Asiatic lion being wiped out by disease or a natural disaster.

Source : https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/environment/flora-fauna/indias-endangered-lion-population-increases-to-600/only-in-gir/slideshow/63188324.cms