Gujarat: India has registered a significant growth in the population of Asiatic Lions of over 70 percent, to 891 from 523 in the last 10 years, said Union Minister for Environment, Minister Bhupender Yadav, while celebrating World Lion Day 2025 in Gujarat on Sunday.
To mark the day a grand celebration was organized across 11 districts of Saurashtra, Gujarat, to promote awareness about the conservation and protection of the ‘King of the Jungle’—the Asiatic Lion.
“The Asiatic Lion is a global symbol of successful wildlife conservation, and on this World Lion Day, we celebrate their remarkable recovery. From just 284 lions in 1990, the population has now risen to 891 in 2025, a 32% increase since 2020 and over 70% growth in the past decade” Yadav said.
Calling it an “astounding success of conservation,” the Minister credited this achievement to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, first as Chief Minister of Gujarat and later as Prime Minister, made Project Lion a priority area of action.
Speaking at the event Chief Minister Bhupender Patel informed that the lion population in Gujarat has increased from 674 to 891 over recent years through scientific conservation measures and sustained community participation.
Bhupendra Patel noted that the inauguration of new habitats, advanced veterinary care facilities, and eco-tourism infrastructure worth ₹180 crore marks a significant milestone for lion conservation in the state.
He said that, after 143 years, lions have returned to the Barda region—restoring ecological balance and adding to the state’s natural heritage.
India efforts in conservation of Lions:-
On August 15, 2020, during the 74th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Ministeri Narendra Modi announced Project Lion to ensure the long-term conservation of Asiatic Lions.
The government has approved a 10-year project with a total budget of ₹2,927.71 crore for lion conservation.
A National Referral Centre for wildlife healthcare has been approved by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Chage, with 20.24 hectares of land allocated by the state government at New Pipliya in Junagadh District for this purpose. The project is currently under progress.
Gujarat becomes home to this majestic animal:-
In Gujarat, the Asiatic Lion is a unique ecological and cultural treasure, found only in the Saurashtra region. Under Project Lion significant strides has been made to ensure the survival and growth of this iconic species.
These majestic animals roam freely in their natural habitat across approximately 35,000 sq. km in 11 districts of Saurashtra.
The lion population in Gujarat has increased by 32% since 2020, rising from 674 in 2020 to 891 as per the May 2025 lion population estimation. The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary spans 192.31 sq. km, is emerging as a second home for Asiatic Lions.
After the natural migration of lions to the area in 2023, the lion population has grown to 17, including 6 adults and 11 cubs.
The sanctuary is a significant biodiversity hotspot and a key area for the conservation of Asiatic Lions. Being in the vicinity of the Dwarka- Porbandar-Somnath tourist circuit, the Barda area holds a significant tourism potential.
A safari park in about 248 Ha area is planned to be initiated for which land has been allocated by the State Government.
