The Asiatic lion news archive - 2001

Stories relating to the Asiatic lion and updates on the captive breeding programme from 2001.

DATELINE: 21st June 2001
Large number of lions now outside Gir

The recent lion census in Gir in May has put the total number of lions in the area at 327 (see PA Update 32). Though the total number of lions has increased, their population in the Gir Protected Area (GPA) comprising the national park and sanctuary has remained constant. Numbers in the peripheral areas have increased and this number was reported to be 56.

Much to the surprise of wildlife experts, 29 lions were found in the Bhavnagar circle and six were seen in the Hipawadli village located 40 kms from the GPA. The main reason for this is said to be the fact that the carrying capacity of the GPA for lions has been reached and new animals are being driven out by the existing population.

This increase in the population of the animal is also one of the causes of the increased human-animal conflict in the region. There have been a number of reports of deaths of lions in and around Gir, many of which are clearly from unnatural causes.

Source: Stavan Desai. 'Gir space crunch driving lions out', Indian Express.

Contact: Mahesh Singh, DCF, Sasan, Junagadh - 363125, Gujarat.
HS Singh, (see above)
Bharat J. Pathak, Gujarat Ecological Commission, GERI Campus, Race Course Road, Vadodara 390007 Gujarat