The Asiatic lion population in India has grown by nearly a third in five years, to 891 from 674 in 2020, according to the latest census.
“Not only did the count go up by 217 but the animals were found outside the Gir National Park, their traditional habitat, and spread across 11 districts of Saurashtra,” forest officials said, referring to the large peninsular region in western Gujarat that includes forests, grasslands and coastal areas.
The previous census conducted in June 2020 estimated the population of Asiatic lions – a subspecies found only in India and historically associated with Gujarat’s Gir region – at 674. By the latest count, there are now 196 male lions, 330 females, 140 sub-adults, and 225 cubs.
“Estimated population of Asiatic lions has increased to 891,” chief minister Bhupendra Patel said.
The population growth has triggered calls for translocating some of the lions outside Gujarat to reduce the pressure on Saurashtra and promote genetic diversity. The proposal is contentious, however, with concerns ranging from ecological suitability to local community acceptance and political considerations.
Once limited to the Gir National Park in Junagadh and Amreli, the big cats now roam 11 districts. “We counted 384 lions within the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, while 507 were found beyond its boundaries,” Jaipal Singh, principal chief conservator of forests in Gujarat.
This morning, on #WorldWildlifeDay, I went on a Safari in Gir, which, as we all know, is home to the majestic Asiatic Lion. Coming to Gir also brings back many memories of the work we collectively did when I was serving as Gujarat CM. In the last many years, collective efforts… pic.twitter.com/S8XMmn2zN7
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2025
Outside Gir, lions were spotted in sanctuaries like Pania, Mitiyala, Girnar, and Barda as well as in non-forested and coastal areas. Forest officials reported the largest pride numbered 17 lions in the Bhavnagar district.
𝗟𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘀: 𝗚𝘂𝗷𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝟴𝟵𝟭 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀! 🦁
— Mulubhai Bera (@Mulubhai_Bera) May 21, 2025
Under the visionary leadership of PM Shri @NarendraModi Ji and CM Shri @Bhupendrapbjp Ji, remarkable work is being done in the field of forest conservation. This success is… pic.twitter.com/PDekcoqoPp
Teetering on the brink of extinction in the early 20th century with its number plummeting to just about 20, the Asiatic lion has made a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts.
While this is a major success, conservationists warn that the subspecies remains vulnerable to genetic inbreeding and the risk of extinction from diseases or forest fires since it exists as a single isolated population.
The lions are a key tourist draw, with over half a million people visiting the Gir park a year.
