Font size:
Print
World Lion Day 2025
India has set an example in lion conservation
Context: On World Lion Day (10 August 2025), the Union Environment Minister announced that India’s Asiatic lion population has risen to 891 (from 674 in 2020), marking a 32% increase in five years. The announcement was made at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat.
What is the significance of lions?
- Ecological Role: Apex predator – regulates herbivore populations, maintaining ecosystem balance.
- Cultural Symbolism: National heritage animal of India; featured in the State Emblem (Lion Capital of Ashoka).
- Tourism Value: Supports eco-tourism and local livelihoods.
- Global Importance: Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) is found only in India; listed as Endangered on IUCN Red List.
What measures have been taken for the conservation of lions?
- Legal & Policy Framework: Protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. International recognition under CITES Appendix I.
-
- Project Lion (2020): Habitat improvement, expansion, and monitoring via radio-collars, camera traps, health checks, conflict mitigation, and eco-tourism.
- Habitat Expansion: Extends lion habitat to Girnar, Pania, Mitiyala, and Barda. Promotes ecological corridors for safe lion movement.
- Community Participation: Engagement of Maldhari pastoralists in coexistence programs. Compensation for livestock depredation.
- Global Collaboration: International Big Cat Alliance across 97 countries.
- Scientific Monitoring: Five-year census with GPS, camera traps, beat verification; health surveillance for diseases like CDV.
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more Valuable Content – TheStudyias
Download the App to Subscribe to our Courses – Thestudyias
The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
