The aim of the Asiatic Lion Conservation Project, launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is to conserve and protect the world’s last running free population of Asiatic Lion and its associated ecosystem. The project focuses on strengthening and enhancing current conservation measures for the Asiatic Lion using state-of-the-art techniques and instruments, comprehensive scientific research studies, disease management, and modern surveillance/patrolling methods.
Funding for the Project
The funding for this esteemed project will come from the Centrally Sponsored Scheme- Development of Wildlife Habitat (CSS-DWH). The contributing ratio for funding will be 60:40 between the Central and State share. This financial support aims to ensure adequate resources to employ advanced techniques and conduct essential research for the conservation of the Asiatic Lions.
Historical Context: The Plight of Asiatic Lions
Asiatic lions, which once roamed freely from Persia (now Iran) to Palamau in Eastern India, were scarily close to extinction due to uncontrolled hunting and habitat loss. By as late as 1890, less than 50 lions were surviving, confined to the Gir forests of Gujarat. Fortunately, with strict protection measures offered by both the State Government and the Central Government, the population of Asiatic lions has seen a remarkable recovery. Today, their numbers exceed 500.
The Gir Protected Area Network
The natural habitat for these majestic creatures – the Gir Protected Area Network – sprawls over 1648.79 square kilometers. This vast area encompasses several protected spaces such as the Gir National Park, Gir Sanctuary, Pania Sanctuary, Mitiyala Sanctuary, adjoining Reserved Forests, Protected Forests, and Unclassed Forests. This network plays a pivotal role in providing a safe environment for the Asiatic Lions to thrive.
Past Conservation Initiatives
The Environment Ministry has always had a keen interest in the conservation of Asiatic Lions in Gujarat. For instance, it included them in a list of 21 critically endangered species that were designated for recovery programs.
| Species |
|---|
| Snow Leopard |
| Bustard (including Floricans) |
| Dolphin |
| Hangul |
| Nilgiri Tahr |
The Recovery Programme
The recovery program for these species focuses on several important aspects necessary for revival. Aside from the Asiatic lion, other species in this programme include the Snow Leopard, Bustard (including Floricans), Dolphin, Hangul, Nilgiri Tahr, Marine Turtles, Dugongs, Edible Nest Swiftlet, Asian Wild Buffalo, Nicobar Megapode, Manipur Brow-antlered Deer, Vultures, Malabar Civet, Indian Rhinoceros, Swamp Deer, Jerdon’s Courser, the Northern River Terrapin, Clouded Leopard, Arabian Sea Humpback Whale, and Red Panda. This initiative has played a key role in mitigating the challenges faced by these species and charting a roadmap towards their successful recovery.
