The story of the Asiatic Lion is probably one of India’s finest conservation miracles.
Historically, the Asiatic Lion was found in abundance through the Middle East, Eurasia and across the Indian Subcontinent. However, extensive trophy hunting in the 19th century, predominantly by the British Empire, depleted the lion population. In fact, in the mid 20th century, the Asiatic population was reduced to a mere few dozen, found entirely in the Gir forest of Gujarat.
Fortunately over the decades, conservation efforts have proven fruitful. As of the 2020 census, the lion population has skyrocketed to 674 individuals, a 29% increase from the 2015 census. Unofficial records estimate upwards of 800 individuals.
However, the battle for survival is far from complete. Gir National Park remains the only protected area where the lions are found. With the explosion of their populations, lions have expanded their range well beyond the boundaries of the park. Not only is this is a recipe for Human Wildlife Conflict, but a species with only a single population is highly vulnerable to disease and natural disasters.
Unfortunately plans to reintroduce lions into other landscapes in India and Iran have been repeatedly stalled by the Gujarat government, due to vested interests.