Are there more lions outside than inside sanctuaries in Saurashtra?

AHMEDABAD: With the 16th lion census underway in Gujarat, a remarkable story of conservation success is unfolding in the Greater Gir region. The counting exercise, which kicked off on May 10, might reveal an unprecedented shift in Asiatic lion territory.Early indicators suggest that the majestic big cats have expanded their kingdom significantly, with more lions finding homes outside the designated protected area than inside it. The official lion numbers are also expected to hit the 900 mark, up from 674 in the 2020 census, forest department sources said.The last census revealed that Gir, Mityala, Girnar, and Pania sanctuaries — which form the protected area — were home to about 380 of the 674 lions, indicating that the lion population in Greater Gir (outside the protected area) and nearby areas was around 294. The trend is likely to reverse now.Forest officials who are part of the census exercise said that the sanctuaries have now reached their maximum capacity, with approximately 425 lions inhabiting them. Based on the early indicators, the department estimates the lion population outside the protected area to be anywhere between 440 and 470.The first phase of the lion census, which has just concluded, shows a 60% increase in lion numbers in Greater Gir region of Saurashtra, which is substantial, said an official. An expert on the big cats noted that even in 2020, the sanctuaries were saturated, and the lion numbers were expected to grow outside the protected area.A forest department officer in Gandhinagar, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed a major shift in lion distribution patterns. Areas like Mangvapal, Chakkaragadh, and Babapur in Amreli reported only occasional sightings earlier. But now there are permanent lion populations here with established corridor movement between Babapur and Mangvapal. Rajula, Jafrabad, and Gir Somnath have emerged as lion hotspots, showing substantial population growth."Amreli district's limited industrialisation has created an ideal secondary habitat for the lions," the officer said. "The local communities there take immense pride in coexisting with lions. In contrast, Bhavnagar district has seen more modest population increases because of industrial development there," he added.The expanding lion territory now touches Botad district, with experts predicting further movement towards Dhandhuka in Ahmedabad district and into parts of Surendranagar.