Gujarat Begins 16th Asiatic Lion Census 2025 

Gandhinagar, Gujarat – The Gujarat Forest Department is set to begin the 16th Asiatic Lion Census from May 10 to 13, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing conservation efforts for its most iconic wildlife species. 

The census, conducted every five years, will unfold in two phases: a preliminary count from May 10 to 11 followed by the final population estimate from May 12 to 13. It will span a vast 35,000 square kilometers across 58 talukas in 11 districts where Asiatic lions are known to inhabit, including Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Amreli, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar and Botad.

This population estimation will use the Direct Beat Verification method, a widely trusted technique that has been applied successfully for more than three decades. It is recognized for its precision and efficiency in varied landscapes such as forests, coastal areas, revenue lands and grasslands. The method’s accuracy is rooted in its statistical robustness, with a margin of error close to zero. Under this system, the region will be divided into units — Region, Zone, and Sub-Zone — and the census will be conducted by approximately 3,000 trained personnel. These include regional and zonal officers, enumerators, assistant enumerators and inspectors, who will be responsible for recording lion sightings using standard forms and assigned maps.

The census sheets will gather a wealth of information such as the time of observation, direction of movement, gender, age, any distinctive markings on the lions’ bodies, group composition, and GPS coordinates. To enhance accuracy and reduce manual error, the state will incorporate advanced technology like high-resolution camera traps and GPS-enabled devices. Several lions have been fitted with radio collars to aid in tracking their movement and group behavior. Additionally, the e-GujForest mobile application will be used to log sightings in real time, complete with GPS tags and photographic records. GIS mapping software will help define survey areas and analyze habitat usage, movement patterns and territorial behavior of the lions.

Gujarat’s lion conservation efforts have received widespread recognition, particularly since the Asiatic lion was featured in the national “Make in India” logo. The state government, under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the leadership of Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera and Minister of State Mukesh Patel, has remained committed to ensuring the continued survival and flourishing of the Asiatic lion population. Conservation strategies have included the formation of eco-development committees at the village level, appointment of wildlife friends, and the regular organization of nature education camps to build awareness among local communities.

These collective efforts have borne fruit. The lion population has shown a steady increase over the years. In 1995, the population stood at 304. By 2001, it had grown to 327, and in 2005, it reached 359. The 2010 census recorded 411 lions, and the 2015 estimate stood at 523. The most recent census in 2020 reported 674 lions — a remarkable rise that reflects decades of focused conservation work.

To accommodate the increasing number of lions and reduce pressure on Gir Forest, the state has begun developing the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary as an alternative lion habitat. This expansion is aimed at ensuring the long-term safety and health of the species by spreading the population across multiple safe zones.