📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sujan Bandyopadhyay
National
Gujarat Sanctuary Reclaims Lions: 17 Asiatic Lions Return After 144 Years
✍️ NDTV
🗓 12 Oct 2026, 04:37 PM
👁 8
A wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, which had lost its lion population 144 years ago, now hosts 17 Asiatic lions, marking a significant conservation milestone.
A wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat has seen a remarkable resurgence of Asiatic lions after a 144‑year absence. 17 lions have been recorded in the protected area, a figure that signals a successful recovery effort by conservation authorities.
The disappearance of lions from the region in the mid‑19th century was attributed to extensive hunting and loss of habitat. Over the decades, the government has implemented habitat restoration, anti‑poaching patrols and community outreach to create a safe environment for the species.
The current population includes both resident and translocated individuals, and regular monitoring is underway to assess health, genetic diversity and population dynamics. The sanctuary’s success is being hailed as a model for wildlife restoration projects across India.
Officials say that continued support from state and central agencies, along with public participation, will be essential to maintain and potentially increase the lion numbers in the coming years.
The disappearance of lions from the region in the mid‑19th century was attributed to extensive hunting and loss of habitat. Over the decades, the government has implemented habitat restoration, anti‑poaching patrols and community outreach to create a safe environment for the species.
The current population includes both resident and translocated individuals, and regular monitoring is underway to assess health, genetic diversity and population dynamics. The sanctuary’s success is being hailed as a model for wildlife restoration projects across India.
Officials say that continued support from state and central agencies, along with public participation, will be essential to maintain and potentially increase the lion numbers in the coming years.