16th Lion Population Estimation Report

Source: NDTV

Context: The 16th Lion Population Estimation report (2025) revealed that India’s Asiatic lion population has risen from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025.

About 16th Lion Population Estimation Report:

• What It Is?

• A periodic wildlife census that assesses the population, distribution, and demographic trends of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica).

• Conducted By: Gujarat Forest Department

• Supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under Project Lion.

• Key Estimations (2025):

• Total Population – 891 lions (rise of 32.2% from 2020). Adult Females – Increased from 260 to 330 (rise of 26.9%), enhancing reproductive potential. Satellite Populations – 497 lions across nine locations including Barda WLS, Jetpur, Babra-Jasdan. Corridor Records – First-time sighting of 22 lions in wildlife corridors. Regional Trends – Highest population: Amreli district – 82 adult males, 117 adult females, 79 cubs. Highest growth: Mitiyala WLS (rise of 100%), Bhavnagar Mainland (rise of 84%), South Eastern Coast (rise of 40%). Declines: Girnar WLS (loss of 4%), Bhavnagar Coast (loss of 12%).

• Total Population – 891 lions (rise of 32.2% from 2020).

• Adult Females – Increased from 260 to 330 (rise of 26.9%), enhancing reproductive potential.

• Satellite Populations – 497 lions across nine locations including Barda WLS, Jetpur, Babra-Jasdan.

• Corridor Records – First-time sighting of 22 lions in wildlife corridors.

• Regional Trends – Highest population: Amreli district – 82 adult males, 117 adult females, 79 cubs. Highest growth: Mitiyala WLS (rise of 100%), Bhavnagar Mainland (rise of 84%), South Eastern Coast (rise of 40%). Declines: Girnar WLS (loss of 4%), Bhavnagar Coast (loss of 12%).

• Highest population: Amreli district – 82 adult males, 117 adult females, 79 cubs.

• Highest growth: Mitiyala WLS (rise of 100%), Bhavnagar Mainland (rise of 84%), South Eastern Coast (rise of 40%).

• Declines: Girnar WLS (loss of 4%), Bhavnagar Coast (loss of 12%).

• Significance:

• Conservation Success – Population grew by 70.36% in the last decade, range expanded by nearly 60%. Ecological Importance – Asiatic lions are keystone species maintaining grassland and scrubland balance. Cultural Heritage – Sole surviving wild population in the world, confined to Saurashtra region of Gujarat.

• Conservation Success – Population grew by 70.36% in the last decade, range expanded by nearly 60%.

• Ecological Importance – Asiatic lions are keystone species maintaining grassland and scrubland balance.

• Cultural Heritage – Sole surviving wild population in the world, confined to Saurashtra region of Gujarat.