India has set an example in lion conservation: Minister, pg 14

Key Highlights:

• Exclusive Habitat: Asiatic lions are found only in India, primarily in the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, and adjoining areas in Gujarat.
• Population Growth: Recent census shows a rise to 891 lions, demonstrating effective protection and management.
• Project Lion: Initiative under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for habitat expansion, improved prey base, and relocation to reduce human-lion conflict.
• New Habitats: Development of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary as a second home for lions to reduce risks from epidemics, natural disasters, and overcrowding.
• Community Role: The Maldhari pastoralist community’s coexistence model with lions is recognised as a unique conservation success story.

Detailed Insights:

• Conservation Strategies:
  • Strict protection in Gir through anti-poaching measures and habitat improvement.
  • Strengthening of prey-predator balance and water availability in arid regions.
  • Monitoring via GPS tracking, camera traps, and patrolling teams.
• Challenges:
  • Risk of disease outbreak due to a single population source.
  • Increasing human-lion interaction leading to conflict.
  • Climate change impacts such as cyclones and habitat degradation.
• Policy Initiatives:
  • Project Lion aligned with global conservation goals and International Big Cat Alliance.
  • Eco-development projects worth ₹189 crore launched in Barda for safari parks, breeding centres, and interpretation centres.

Concepts Involved:

• Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica): Smaller than African lions, with distinctive skin folds along the belly; classified as Endangered by the IUCN.
• Gir National Park: The last natural habitat of Asiatic lions.
• Project Lion: Centrally sponsored scheme for habitat protection, conflict mitigation, and population expansion.
• International Big Cat Alliance: Global cooperation for conservation of seven big cat species across 97 countries.