Pride of Gujarat breaks new ground, 891 wild lions call state home

Gujarat's iconic Asiatic lion, once teetering on the edge of extinction, is roaring back stronger than ever. A fresh census reveals 891 lions now roam western India - a 32% rise from 674 recorded in 2020 - reflecting what conservationists hail as one of the most successful big cat recoveries globally. Forest officials said Wednesday that over half the population - 507 lions - live outside traditional strongholds of Gir national park and wildlife sanctuary.

CM Bhupendra Patel announced the official figures, celebrating the increase as a "shot in the arm" for conservation efforts. Forest department sources detailed the breakdown: 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adults, and 225 cubs.

In contrast, IUCN warns lion populations across northern Africa and southwestern Asia continue to decline due to human pressures and shrinking habitats.