The number of Asian lions in the Gir forest region increased to 674 in 2020.
New Delhi:
Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said Wednesday it was a “conservation success” after the Gujarat government announced that the population of Asian lions had increased by 29% in the forests of Gir.
“The Asian Lion roars louder. Happy to note that the population of the majestic Lion has increased by almost 29% and the distribution area is up by 36%. Multiple strategies, interventions and community participation, main contributors to current success conservation of Indian lions, “Mr. Javadekar tweeted.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the news by tweeting: “Two very good news: the population of the majestic Asian Lion, living in the Gir forest of Gujarat, has increased by almost 29%. Geographically, the “The distribution is 36%. Congratulations to the people of Gujarat and to all those whose efforts have led to this excellent achievement.”
According to figures released by the state, the number of Asian lions in the Gir Forest region increased to 674 in 2020 from 523 in 2015. In the report, the state’s chief wildlife officer said the Gujarat forest department had carried out a “population estimate”. exercise “‘” on the night of June 5 to 6 when there was a full moon.
The exercise was started because the five-year census could not be completed in May due to the coronavirus epidemic and the foreclosure, he said.
According to the May 2015 census, there were 523 Asian lions in Gir, an increase of 27% compared to 2010.
The “Poonam Avlokan (full moon night estimation exercise)” showed that the lion population had reached 674, an increase of 28.87%, according to the official statement, adding that it was of the highest growth recorded to date.
The population of 674 included 161 males, 260 females, 116 sub-adult lions and 137 cubs, according to the report.
The exercise also revealed that the area inhabited by lions increased by 36%, from 22,000 km2 in 2015 to 30,000 km2 in 2020.
