The BIG ROAR Gujarat's Asiatic lion count rises to 674 in 2020

The territory or the distribution area of the big cat has also increased by 36% from 22 thousands square kilometre to 30 thousands km during the same period. The Gujarat government on Wednesday credited the Forest Department's conservation efforts for the success.

The Forest Department conducted an exercise 'Poonam Avlokan' (jungle watching during full moon) on June 5 and 6. During the two-day census, the department counted a total of 674 lions. Among them are 161 males and 260 female adults and 45 male and 49 female along with 22 unidentified sub-adults. Plus, 137 cubs were also identified.

There has been a steady growth in lions' population from 284 in 1990 to 359 in 2005. But from there, it just climbed with 411 in 2010 to 524 in 2015 and 674 in 2020. The latest count shows a growth of 28.87% over 2015 figures.

The growth in population is directly related to the expanding distribution area or the territory of beasts. During 1990, the area was around 13,500 sq.km. It expanded to around 16,500 in 2005. Today, the 'Pride of Gujarat' is found in 30,000 sq.km area in nine districts of Saurashtra. (IANS)

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