New Delhi: The number of lions in and around Gir forests in Gujarat has increased by about fourfold in the last five decades, said an analysis published in a scientific journal earlier this month. The analysis, however, noted that massive infrastructure projects like industries and ports, mining activities, rails and high-speed roads in the coastal area have already affected the lions and are a major cause of concern for their future.
“During the last five decades (1965–2015), an approach for the Asiatic lion conservation is one of the best efforts in the world. Unlike other super predators, the number of lions has increased by 4-folds and wild ungulates by over 13-folds in the Gir forest during this period,” said an analysis by H.S. Singh that was published in India-based scientific journal Current Science last week.
“Expansion and consolidation of Gir Protected Area, Gujarat, India – habitat of the Asiatic lion, and response of prey and predator to the management and dispersion trend of lions outside the Gir forests are interesting and noteworthy. The distribution range of lions has also expanded to a large landscape in four districts in the state,” the analysis said.
In May 2015, the Gujarat government had released the latest lion census figures, which said Gir’s population of Panthera leo persica, the Asiatic lion, has grown nearly 27% from 411 in 2010 to 523 in 2015. Asiatic lions, which evolved in Europe, are believed to have moved South over millennia, and now only survive in Gujarat in India. They are now classified as an endangered species.
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The study explained that lions were restricted in the Gir forest till 1990, and the dispersion started when their population increased.
“In two decades, more than 40% of the total number of lions was spotted outside the Gir landscape. The prey population, predation behaviour of the lion and acceptance of the lion as honourable animal by the villagers indicate that the present trend may continue in the near future as well,” it added.
The analysis also said that man-leopard conflict is a serious issue and the presence of lions saves people from leopard menace.
However, the study expressed concern at the massive infrastructure development.
“The development of industries and ports, mining activities, rails and high-speed roads in the coastal area have already impacted the lions. The increased frequency and speed of goods trains in Pivavav-Rajula line has posed a new threat as ten lions were killed during 2013-15,” it noted.
“The change in land-use pattern and disappearance of wastelands and community lands are other issues. The network of roads, widening and converting some of them as high-speed roads in the lion conservation landscape are a matter of concern,” the analysis added.
