PM Modi Expresses His Delight over the Increase of Majestic Asiatic Lion Population in Gir Forest

[abhishek sinha]

"The last population estimation exercise was conducted in May 2015 which pegged the lion numbers at 523, a 27 percent increase from the estimation of 2010. The population of Asiatic lions in 2020 has shown a steady increase with a population of 674 individuals with an increased rate of 28.87 percent (one of the highest grown rates so far)". – The State Forest Department.

An official survey report revealed that the population of the majestic Asiatic lions in India’s Gir National Park has jumped by nearly one-third of the previous population, in the span of the last five years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratification and happiness regarding the increase in numbers of royal Asiatic lions in its only natural habitat, which is the Gir National Park, situated at Junagadh District, Gujarat.

He took Twitter to express his gratitude to the people of Gujarat, writing- "Two very good news: Population of the majestic Asiatic Lion, lining in Gujarat's Gir Forest, is up by almost 29%. Geographically, the distribution area is up by 36%. Kudos to the people of Gujarat and all those whose efforts have led to this excellent feat.”

He further added in his next tweet, "Over the last several years, the Lion population in Gujarat has been steadily rising. This is powered by community participation, emphasis on technology, wildlife healthcare, proper habitat management, and steps to minimize human-lion conflict. Hope this positive trend continues!"

The Royal Asiatic lions are a bit smaller than their African cousins, and they have a part of folded skin by the portions of their bellies. This majestic animal has its home in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Western Gujarat, which is PM Modi’s home state.

Prakash Javadekar, the Union Environment Minister also expressed his delight, after the announcement was made by the Gujarat government, that the population of the elegant Asiatic lions has raised by 29 percent in Gir National Park. Calling it a ‘conservation success’, Javadekar tweeted, “Asiatic Lion roars louder. Happy to note that the population of the majestic Lion increased by almost 29% and the distribution area is up by 36%. Multiple strategies, interventions, and community participation, major contributors to the current conservation success of the Indian lions."

In the year 1965, Saurashtra’s Gir forest area covering 1412.1 square kilometers was declared as a wildlife sanctuary for these majestic Asiatic lions. An area covering 258.71 square kilometers was declared as a National Park later on, where human activity is strictly prohibited. In the present time, the Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is the only natural habitat for the Asiatic lions.

For Gir Safari Booking visitors can book jeep online and explore the beauty of Gir National Park.