In India, The King Rules….

The lion species, also known as Panthera leo, is one of the largest species on earth. Easily recognized by its thick mane, this powerful predator is muscular and has a loud, deafening roar. They are the second largest living cat after the Asian Tiger. Sadly, as majestic these lions may seem, they are slowly decreasing in number. There was a when lions roamed freely across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The present-day condition is such that they live freely in their natural habitat in only two locations, Africa and Asia. Some lions even breed in captivity.

Though they are not under the classification of an endangered species, they still face obstacles that endanger their survival making them vulnerable as an outbreak of contagious disease or natural disaster could have drastic consequences for the species. 

Though they are not under the classification of an endangered species, they still face obstacles that endanger their survival making them vulnerable as an outbreak of contagious disease or natural disaster could have drastic consequences for the species.

Asiatic lions in Gujarat

According to Buddhism, lions are the protectors of Dharma and are also depicted on India’s national emblem. There are only around 600 Asiatic lions left in the wild and India, which is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion also has only one place for these cats —  Gir Forest National Park in the state of Gujrat in western India. The lion conversation in Gujarat started when Nawab Mahabat Khanji of then Junagadh state, an animal lover who kept 300 dogs as pets, banned lion hunting, and was able to start the preservation of the big cat.

According to Buddhism, lions are the protectors of Dharma and are also depicted on India’s national emblem. There are only around 600 Asiatic lions left in the wild and India, which is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion also has only one place for these cats —  Gir Forest National Park in the state of Gujrat in western India. The lion conversation in Gujarat started when Nawab Mahabat Khanji of then Junagadh state, an animal lover who kept 300 dogs as pets, banned lion hunting, and was able to start the preservation of the big cat.

As well as the last Asiatic lions, Gir is also home to an incredible array of diverse wildlife, including langur monkeys, jackals, leopards, antelope, deer, crocodiles and over 300 species of birds.

As well as the last Asiatic lions, Gir is also home to an incredible array of diverse wildlife, including langur monkeys, jackals, leopards, antelope, deer, crocodiles and over 300 species of birds.

The year 2020 has resulted in great victories of India regarding wildlife conservation as India has recorded a 29% increase in the population of Asiatic lions, living in Gujarat’s Gir forests, in the past five years, with their population going up from 523 in 2015 to 674 in 2020. The period also saw a 36% increase in the distribution area of the lions from 22,000 sq km in 2015 to 30,000 sq. km in 2020.

Multiple strategies and interventions have be been implemented in the Asiatic lions landscape that have contributed to the current conservation success - people’s participation, use of modern technology, wildlife health care including import of canine distemper virus vaccine, habitat management, increase in prey base, human-lion conflict mitigation.

Current Problems and its solutions

Lion numbers have increased, but the challenge is their safety. About 40% of the total lion population now lives outside the forest area. Open wells and live wires on farms, highways and passing trains have turned this region into a death field for the Asiatic lion.

Lion numbers have increased, but the challenge is their safety. About 40% of the total lion population now lives outside the forest area. Open wells and live wires on farms, highways and passing trains have turned this region into a death field for the Asiatic lion.

It is important to establish a second population to serve as a gene pool for the last surviving Asiatic lions and to help develop and maintain genetic diversity enabling the species to survive and to avoid space crunch for these majestic beings.

World Lion Day was based on an ideology that when we’re talking about lions, very few people appreciate that this is a species that is under severe threat.  There are certainly people suggesting that they could go extinct in the next 20 to 30 years, and we were looking for a way to try and raise awareness of the issue, and call for lionhearted people to support individuals and organizations, so that in Africa and in India the king continues to rule.

The lion reigns as the King of the Jungle so let us give back the king his lost kingdom !!