Sat Jun 28 05:32:18 UTC 2025: **Lion Population Soars in India, but Concerns Grow Over Human-Animal Conflict and Conservation Strategy**

**Gujarat, India** – India’s wild lion population has surged to 891, marking a 32% increase since 2020, according to the latest census released by the Gujarat Forest Department. While the rise is a testament to successful conservation efforts within the Gir forest and surrounding areas, experts are raising concerns about the sustainability of this growth and the increasing human-animal conflict.

For the first time, more lions are residing outside the core Gir region (497) than within it (394), establishing satellite populations across 11 districts of Gujarat. The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary has been earmarked as a potential “second home” for the species, aligning with the government’s ambitious Project Lion conservation program.

However, experts question the accuracy of the census methodology, with some suggesting potential for double-counting and missed animals due to the short data collection period. Concerns also focus on the suitability of current habitats and the rising incidents of lions venturing into human-dominated areas, leading to increased conflict, including a recent fatal attack on a child.

While compensation for livestock loss has aided coexistence, the expansion of lion territories into non-forested areas raises serious safety concerns. The call for establishing a second, geographically isolated lion population in Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh) remains unheeded despite a Supreme Court order from 2013, raising questions about the government’s commitment to long-term species survival and genetic diversity. The recent introduction of cheetahs to Kuno has further complicated the situation.

Conservationists stress the need for a comprehensive strategy that addresses human-animal conflict, ensures adequate and safe habitats, and explores the possibility of re-establishing lion populations across their historical range to secure the future of this iconic species.

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