Editorial 2: Lions out of the woods
Context
The latest population estimation exercise in Gujarat has recorded 891 lions, a 32% jump in population since 2020.
The surge in population
- In these five years, lions have also expanded their range by 17% — from 30,000 to 35,000 sq km — and now cover 58 talukas in 11 districts.
- The increase in the lion population is a result not only of favourable geographic and climatic conditions but also of the state government’s consistent and dedicated efforts. For this success story to continue, however, more needs to be done.
The journey so far
- From under 200 in the 1960s when their last home in Gir was accorded special protection, Asiatic lions have made a remarkable recovery.
- Between 1990 and 2005, the lion’s range doubled from 6,600 sq km to 13,000 sq km. But in those early days of breaking new ground, the expansion of lions’ range resulted only in a modest 26% jump in numbers, from 284 to 359.
Asiatic lions – Their importance
- Unique Subspecies: Asiatic lions are genetically distinct from African lions and exist only in the Gir Forest region of India.
- Vulnerable: With a small population confined to a single area, they are extremely vulnerable to disease, habitat loss, and natural disasters.
- Ecological Role: As apex predators, they help maintain the balance of the food chain by controlling herbivore populations.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting lions leads to the preservation of the entire ecosystem and the species that depend on it.
- Cultural Symbol: Lions are deeply embedded in Indian culture, mythology, and symbolism, including the national emblem of India.
- Environmental Indicator: The health of the lion population reflects the overall health of the ecosystem, making them a key indicator species.
Spreading thin
- The lions have colonised at least three new areas — Barda wildlife sanctuary, Jetpur and Babra-Jasdan — in the last five years.
- A nearly 900-strong population scattered across different locations strengthens the species recovery trend that made IUCN change the Asiatic Lion’s status from “critically-endangered” to “endangered” in 2008.
- A closer look at the numbers, however, shows that the population growth has not been commensurate with the expansion of the lion’s range over the decades.
- Over decades, as these sanctuaries have neared their carrying capacity, lions wandering out for space have reached wasteland, farmland and agri-plantations, interspersed with clumps of natural vegetation tagged as forest patches.
- Even on government records, only 56% of Gujarat’s 891 lions were found in forested areas.
- In the latest census, the 2020 report showed that the lion’s population density drops from 15.2 per 100 sq km in forested areas to just 1.65 in non-forested areas.
Stretching tolerance
- Non-forest areas close to human habitations are not the ideal habitat for a large carnivore species.
- But unlike leopards, lions are considered Gujarat’s pride and people are generally tolerant of the species. Also, these are highly-managed animals with frequent rescues, medical care and all.
- It’s ecologically an unstable situation. Quite a few of the lions in human-dominated habitats are often aggressive to people, and there have been reports of unprovoked attacks.
- Social carrying capacity, also has its limits. People and lions can live in harmony only when they share either space or time.
- For now, a combination of awareness campaigns, media sensitisation and timely compensation for livestock losses is keeping peace.
- What has also helped is the relative availability of wild prey, such as boars, outside forested areas due to limited hunting for bushmeat in the state.
- But many lions are also dependent on livestock, including those that they do not have to hunt.
Way forward
As potential targets of doubling the lion population to 2,000 are being tossed around, the Asiatic lion needs quality forest habitats away from human settlements to safeguard against potential conflict and epidemic breakouts.