According to the 16th lion census, which was carried out in May 2025, the number of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has increased dramatically to 891. This represents a significant rise compared to the 674 lions counted in the last census five years ago. Gujarat’s Asiatic lion population soars, as announced by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on May 21.

According to comprehensive data supplied by the Gujarat Forest Department, the population currently includes 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adults, and 225 cubs. Officials claim that this expansion demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing conservation efforts.

Chief Minister Patel added that while the 217-lion rise is noteworthy, the species’ growing range is just as significant. Beyond Gir National Park, where they are native, lions may now be found in 11 districts throughout the Saurashtra region, including non-forested and coastal areas.

Lions Expand Range Across 11 Districts

According to Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Jaipal Singh, three hundred eighty-four lions were discovered inside the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. At the same time, 507 were identified outside the protected region. Mitiyala, Pania, Girnar, and Barda sanctuaries are also part of the expanded range. Remarkably, barely 15 kilometers from Porbandar, 17 lions were spotted alone in Barda.

According to officials, the Bhavnagar district’s 17 lions comprised the largest pride during the census. Additionally, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Surendranagar, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Rajkot, Morbi, Botad, Porbandar, and Jamnagar also recorded sightings.

Expanding geographic ranges demonstrate the efficacy of habitat extension initiatives and lions’ adaptability. However, this also means that new regions where lions live now require better management techniques.

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Extensive Census Operation Spans 35,000 sq km.

The 2025 lion census was conducted over four days, from May 10 to 13, in 11 districts, encompassing over 35,000 square kilometers and 58 talukas. It was conducted in two stages, starting on May 10–11 with an initial evaluation and ending on May 12–13 with a final count.

Officers, enumerators, and volunteers were among the more than 3,000 individuals who helped with the comprehensive survey. The operation included innovative techniques, such as GPS-enabled radio collars, high-resolution cameras, camera traps, and direct beat verification.

Enumerators noted the lions’ sex, age, physical features, direction of movement, and exact location for high accuracy and narrow margins of error in the count. Gujarat’s Asiatic lion population soars in numbers, but territorial spread necessitates proactive conservation strategies.

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