Recently, the Gujarat Forest Department reported an increase in Asiatic lions in the Gir forest region. This rise in population comes from recent data that shows a total of 674 lions recorded, compared to the 523 in the previous Lion Census of 2015.
The count resulted from a population observation exercise called Poonam Avlokan which took over the 15th Lion Census due to its indefinite postponement because of Covid-19 outbreak. Poonam Avlokan is an internal monthly activity performed every full moon. Initially developed in 2014 by the Forest Department for the purpose of preparation for the 2015 Lion Census.
Numerical Analysis and Geo-Distribution
The lion population has exhibited a growth rate of about 29% from its 2015 count. The state of Gujarat has seen the lion population double since 2001. Moreover, the distribution area of the lions has broadened from 22,000 sq. km in 2015 to 30,000 sq. km in 2020. Consequently, the geographical distribution area for the lions of Gir forest has increased by 36%.
Significance of the 2020 Count
The 2015 census had reported 523 lions, a growth from the 411 in 2010. However, a flash flood in Amreli resulted in the killing of 12 lions a month after the 2015 Census. Successive deaths of more than two dozen lions occurred due to the outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and babesiosis in 2018 and 2020 respectively.
Reasons for Population Increase
Over several years, the lion population in Gujarat has steadily risen. This growth has been achieved through community participation, the use of technology, wildlife healthcare, proper habitat management, and measures to minimize human-lion conflict.
The Lion Census Process
The lion census, initiated by the Nawab of Junagadh in 1936, is performed once every five years since 1965. The exercise runs for more than two days, including a preliminary and final census. However, the Poonam Avlokan is conducted for 24 hours assessing the number and location of lions within their jurisdictions.
Participation in the Census
NGOs, experts, and wildlife enthusiasts are invited by the Forest Department to join the Census for transparency and manpower augmentation. In contrast, the Poonam Avlokan exercise is exclusively carried out by forest staff. Therefore, the Lion Census experiences larger public participation compared to the Poonam Avalokan exercise.
Methodology Used in the Census
The Lion Census utilizes the block counting method where census enumerators remain stationed at water points within a given block and estimate the abundance of lions based on direct sighting. On the other hand, the Poonam Avlokan exercise involves teams moving within their territories making estimates based on inputs from lion trackers and incidental sightings.
Gir National Park
Located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions. It was designated a sanctuary in 1965 and a national park in 1975. Maldharis, religious pastoral communities living in Gir, have survived through a symbiotic relationship with the lions.
Conservation Efforts for Asiatic Lions
The “Asiatic Lion Conservation Project” launched by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) aims for scientific management with community involvement for disease control, veterinary care, and overall conservation of Asiatic lions.
Way Forward
Timely interventions have saved the lions from the Gir forest from the brink of extinction, resulting in an extraordinary recovery. State government conservation strategies and management efforts supported by the Centre have accounted for a healthy population growth. Going forward, more targeted protection and healthcare programs need to be implemented to control diseases like CDV and babesiosis.
