Gujarat to conduct lion census in 35,000 sq km Habitat
The lion population in Gujarat has shown a consistent upward trend. From just 304 lions in 1995, the number rose by over 70% to reach 523 by 2015.
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Gandhinagar, Gujarat : Gujarat, the only natural home of Asiatic lions in the world, is preparing for a major wildlife survey—the Lion Census 2025—which will take place next month in the Saurashtra region. For the first time in a decade, the state will conduct a full-fledged, scientific count of the lion population, covering an expanded area of 35,000 square kilometers. This is a 5,000 sq km increase from the last comprehensive census in 2015.
This extensive exercise will span across 58 talukas in 11 districts and include approximately 3,400 villages and forest patches, reflecting the remarkable spread of the lions’ habitat over the years. The last official census in 2015 had pegged the lion count at 523, and in 2020, a rough full-moon night estimation (conducted due to the pandemic) suggested the number had risen to 674. This year’s effort aims to provide a far more accurate and scientific picture.
To ensure precision, the Gujarat Forest Department has divided the survey zone into 8 regions, 31 zones, 110 sub-zones, and 3,400 village beats. Around 3,000 personnel—including beat guards, foresters, rangers, senior officers, volunteers, and independent observers—will participate in the operation. The department will also deploy high-resolution cameras at sub-zonal levels to photograph lions from multiple angles, helping prevent double-counting.
The census will follow the internationally recognized Block Count Method, also known as the Direct Beat Verification Method, widely accepted for large carnivore surveys. The preliminary counting phase will be conducted from 2 PM on May 10 to 2 PM on May 11, while the final phase will take place from 2 PM on May 12 to 2 PM on May 13.
The lion population in Gujarat has shown a consistent upward trend. From just 304 lions in 1995, the number rose by over 70% to reach 523 by 2015. With increased conservation efforts and community support, the majestic Asiatic lions have not only grown in number but also expanded their territorial range significantly.
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