16th Asiatic Lion Census 2025

Why in News? 

Recently, the Gujarat Government released the data of the 16th Asiatic Lion Census, conducted after five years. According to the new census, there has been a notable increase in the number of lions in the Gir forests.

Key Highlights of the 16th Asiatic Lion Census 2025 in Gujarat

• Census Execution: The Gujarat Forest Department carried out a detailed lion census over four days, from 10 to 13 May 2025, using a two-phase method.
  • This survey spanned 58 talukas across 11 different districts.
  • The effort was led by the Dhari Gir East Forest Division, involving over 3,000 forest staff, officers, volunteers, and observers.
• Lion Population: As per the 16th Asiatic Lion Census, Gujarat now shelters 891 lions, showcasing ongoing conservation success.
  • This marks a 32.2% increase compared to 2020.
  • Among them, there are 330 adult females.
• Lion Territory Expands Beyond Gir: Lions are no longer restricted to the Gir Sanctuary; they have spread across various new regions in the Saurashtra area.
  • Notably, nearly 44% of these lions have moved beyond protected forest zones, adapting to human-dominated landscapes.
  • Yet, Gir National Park and its nearby sanctuaries still hold a strong population of 394 lions.
• Direct Beat Verification: This year, the “Direct Beat Verification” technique was employed, where the entire area was divided into ranges, zones, and sub-zones for detailed beat-wise monitoring.
• Widest Coverage Ever: This census covered a vast area of 35,000 sq. km, including new regions of Saurashtra in addition to the Gir forests.
  • In 2020, 340 lions were in non-forest areas; this number rose to 507 in 2025.
  • The Mitiyala Sanctuary saw its lion count double to 32.
  • For the first time, 17 lions were recorded in the Barda Sanctuary near Porbandar.
  • Amreli district recorded the highest number with 257 lions.
• E-GujForest App: Real-time data entry was enabled through the e-GujForest mobile application during the census.
  • GIS technology was used for scientific mapping of lion movements and habitats.
• Contribution of Project Lion: The rise in lion numbers is largely due to the strategic implementation of Project Lion.
  • The project focused on creating safe and adequate habitats and strengthening the prey base.
• Role of Digital Technology: Technology played a crucial role in the 2025 census.
  • GPS devices tracked lion movements.
  • Satellite imagery analyzed forest spread and vegetation.
  • AI-based software helped identify lions by physical features, and multi-angle photography with high-resolution cameras captured accurate digital images.

Asiatic Lion Census from 1936 to 2020:

• 1936 to 1955:
  • The first official lion count was done in 1936 by the Junagadh princely state, reporting 287 lions, with separate counts for males, females, and cubs.
  • British conservationist Witt-Blee estimated 219 to 279 lions in 1950.
  • By 1955, the lion count steadied at around 290, a fragile recovery from earlier declines.
• 1963 to 1974:
  • A decline was noted in 1963, with only 285 lions.
  • However, by 1968, numbers dropped sharply to 177, largely due to poaching and shrinking habitats.
  • In 1974, for the first time, juvenile and sub-adult lions were counted separately, giving a clearer picture of the population structure with 180 lions.
• 1985 to 2005:
  • The count rose to 279 in 1985.
  • Gradual improvement followed, with 284 lions in 1990 and 304 in 1995.
  • 2001 saw the use of scientific methods for the first time, recording 327 lions.
  • By 2005, the number increased to 359.
• From 2010 Onward:
  • By 2010, the population finally crossed the 400-mark, reaching 411 lions.
  • In 2015, the number reached 519.
  • The 2020 census used the “Full Moon Observation” method, recording 674 lions.

Introduction to Gujarat’s Pride – The Asiatic Lion

• Background:
  • Gujarat remains the sole home of Asiatic lions, with Gir as their natural refuge.
  • They are locally known in Gujarat as Savāj, Babbar Sher, or Untiya Wagh.
  • The Asiatic lion is also referred to as the Indian or Persian lion.
  • It is a unique subspecies of Panthera leo.
  • Depictions of lions have been found on coins from the time of Chandragupta Vikramaditya, indicating their long-standing presence in Indian cultural consciousness.
  • The Make in India campaign also uses the lion symbol, establishing it as a modern emblem of India’s confidence.
• Geographical Distribution: 
  • In ancient times, the range of the Asiatic lion extended from West Asia to central parts of India.
  • Due to overhunting, habitat shrinkage, and human interference, they are now restricted to Gir National Park, Pania, Mitiyala, and surrounding areas including Amreli, Junagadh, and Porbandar.
  • According to the 2025 census, 891 lions are now present in Gujarat, reflecting decades of successful conservation efforts.
  • Asiatic lions prefer dry deciduous forests and grasslands.
  • In the Gir region, they hunt deer, nilgai, and sometimes domestic livestock.
• Physical Characteristics:
  • Asiatic lions are smaller in size compared to African lions.
  • Male lions weigh around 160–190 kilograms and females weigh between 110–120 kilograms.
  • A distinctive feature is the fold of skin along the belly, found only in the Asiatic subspecies.
  • Their ears are clearly visible, and the mane is less dense than that of African lions.
  • Their coat ranges from sandy to light brown, sometimes giving a silvery shine.
• IUCN Green Status:
  • In a key conservation milestone, IUCN’s 2025 Green Status Assessment acknowledged the progress by revising the species’ status.
    • This assessment serves as a new benchmark for measuring conservation impact and species recovery.
  • Considering the ongoing conservation efforts, the status of Asiatic lions was changed from “Endangered” to “Vulnerable”, marking a positive conservation outcome.
  • Asiatic lions are now categorized as “Moderately Depleted”, meaning conservation has had some success, but continuous efforts are still required.
• Conservation:
  • To address threats like poaching, genetic inbreeding, and diseases like canine distemper, both the central and state governments have initiated programs such as the Asiatic Lion Conservation Project and Project Lion.
  • Asiatic lions are granted the highest protection under Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Internationally, they are listed in Appendix-I of CITES, prohibiting any international trade.
  • The Supreme Court had approved the move of Asiatic lions to Kuno National Park, but ecological concerns have kept the project on hold.