The Gujarat Forest Department's May 2025 census reveals a remarkable 32% surge in the Asiatic lion population, climbing from 674 in 2020 to 891. This increase underscores the success of India's wildlife conservation initiatives.
Of the 891 lions, 384 inhabit Gir National Park and its surrounding sanctuary. Approximately 44% (340 lions) are now thriving outside the protected Gir area. Amreli District leads with 257 lions, while Barda sanctuary recorded its first sighting of 17 lions since 1879.
Launched in 2020, 'Project Lion' has been pivotal in this population boom, focusing on habitat enhancement and efficient monitoring using technologies like GPS, magnetic sensor grids, radio collars, and camera traps. The census, conducted using direct beat verification, covered 35,000 square kilometers across 11 districts.