World Lion Day is commemorated annually on August 10th to raise awareness about the protection of lions. The initiative, established in 2013, was born out of concern for the severe decline of the lion population, which has plunged by 80% in the last century. This day serves as an opportunity to highlight the importance of safeguarding these majestic creatures in their natural habitat and ensuring the safety of lion communities.
The Lion and Its Role in the Animal Kingdom
Lions, scientifically known as Panthera leo, are divided into two subspecies – the African lion (Panthera leo leo) and the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). These magnificent creatures serve a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance within their habitat. As apex predators, they help manage the population of grazers. Moreover, they contribute to the health and resilience of their prey by targeting the weakest members, helping control disease within these populations.
Threats to the Lion Population
The survival of lions is beset by numerous threats including poaching, genetic inbreeding from a single population inhabiting one place, and diseases such as plague and canine distemper. Natural disasters also pose significant risks to their well-being and survival.
Protection Status
In terms of protection status, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categorizes the Asiatic Lion as endangered and the other lion populations as vulnerable. Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), populations of lions in India are listed in Appendix I, while all other populations are included in Appendix II. Additionally, they are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
Status of Lions in India
India boasts of being home to the majestic Asiatic Lion, predominantly found in the protected territory of the Sasan-Gir National Park in Gujarat. As of 2020, the lion population in India was counted to be 674, a notable increase from 523 in 2015.
Conservation Efforts
Several conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve these magnificent creatures. Project Lion, announced in August 2020, identified six new sites apart from the Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh for lion conservation. This initiative follows the principles of Project Tiger and Project Elephant. The programme focuses on preserving the last remaining wild population of Asiatic Lions in Gujarat’s Asiatic Lion Landscape (ALL).
Prior to this, the “Asiatic Lion Conservation Project” was launched by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Running for three financial years from 2018 to 2021, it championed scientific management with community involvement and inter-agency coordination for disease control, veterinary care, and overall Asiatic Lion conservation.
A lion census is conducted every five years. Notably, other large cats predominantly found in India include the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Clouded Leopard, and Snow Leopard.
Caring for and preserving these regal creatures is critical to maintaining the health and balance of our ecosystems. Thus, World Lion Day serves as an important reminder of our collective responsibility towards the conservation of these majestic creatures.
