The Asiatic lion news archive - 2006

Stories relating to the Asiatic lion and updates on the captive breeding programme from 2006.

DATELINE: June 23, 2006
Should Gir Lions be Shifted to MP?

What is the symbol that represents the pride of Gujarat? It has to be the majestic lion of Gir - the only natural home the Asiatic lion has in the world. It is not surprising therefore that the Gujarat government is fighting tooth and nail against a move by the Centre to shift some of the lions to a sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.

Gujarat is not ready to give up its exclusivity over the animal and has instead suggested that if the lion needs another home outside the congested Gir, then it can be within Gujarat itself. Conservationists are united when it comes to the need to have an alternate home for the lion so that its gene pool can be protected and its population be encouraged to grow again in areas other than Gujarat where it once ruled the forests till it was edged out by the tigers and humans. While some such attempts in the past have failed, others say Gujarat's pride is not as important as preserving the lion.

Have your say: Should some Gir lions be shifted out of Gujarat?

Robin David, TOI Ahmedabad Bureau

Source: Times of India
http://o3.indiatimes.com/mytimes/archive/2006/06/21/835722.aspx