The Indian government is currently scrutinizing the traditional scheme to relocate Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica) from Gir National Park to Kuno National Park. This re-evaluation comes after various developments linked to the translocation of Asiatic Lions have unfolded over recent years.
Developments Related to the Translocation of Asiatic Lions
The Supreme Court commanded the governmental authorities in 2013 to transfer Asiatic lions from Gujarat’s Gir National Park to Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park. Despite this mandate, the translocation plan has yet to be executed and remains theoretical.
This is because the 25-year strategy for Project Lion issued by the Centre lacks any provisions facilitating a translocation outside of Gujarat. The project instead emphasizes assisting natural dispersal throughout Saurashtra by the year 2047.
Furthermore, recent data released by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) highlight a 29% increase in the lion population over the past five years. This growth, coupled with the fresh introduction of cheetahs into Kuno, has urged the NTCA to consider alternatives to safeguard the longevity of lions beyond Gir.
Key Information about Asiatic Lions
The Asiatic Lion, also known as the Persian Lion or Indian Lion, belongs to the Panthera Leo Leo subspecies and is primarily found in India. Formerly, these lions were native to West Asia and the Middle East before they faced extinction in those regions. The size of Asiatic lions is comparatively smaller than that of African lions.
Distribution of Asiatic Lions
Asiatic lions historically occupied areas from West Bengal in the east up to Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, located in central India. Currently, their sole habitat is the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Protection Status for Asiatic Lions
Various conservation measures have been implemented to protect this endangered species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists Asiatic lions as “Endangered,” they are included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and they are scheduled within India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
About Gir National Park
Situated in Gujarat’s Junagadh district, Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary achieved sanctuary status in 1965 and was declared a national park a decade later, in 1975. Gir hosts the most extensive contiguous dry deciduous forest in India’s semi-arid west. Locally, Gir is known for its relationship with the “Maldharis,” a tribe that has maintained a symbiotic association with gir lions for many years.
About Kuno National Park
Located in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh, Kuno National Park is a preserved area with a rich population of wildlife, including chital, sambar, nilgai, wild pig, chinkara, and cattle.
Previous Year Question from UPSC Civil Services Examination
In 2019, the UPSC Civil Services Examination posed the following question: Which of the following statements is/are correct? Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only, double-humped camel is naturally found in India only, one-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only. The correct answer was (a) 1 only.