• ¨     India’s Asiatic lion population increased from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025, according to the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation.

    ¨     The Asiatic lion is found mainly in Gujarat’s Gir and Greater Gir landscape.

    ¨     The lion’s geographical range expanded from around 30,000 sq km in 2020 to nearly 35,000 sq km.

    ¨     The Asiatic lion is scientifically known as Panthera leo persica.

    ¨     Its only natural wild population survives in India, mainly in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.

    ¨     The species is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

    ¨     The 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation was conducted from 10 to 13 May 2025 across 11 districts of Gujarat.

    ¨     The estimation used the Direct Beat Verification Method.

    ¨     More than 3,800 forest officials and local volunteers participated in the exercise.

    ¨     The 2025 population estimate recorded 891 lions, including 330 adult females.

    ¨     Around 497 lions were recorded as a satellite population outside the core protected areas.

    ¨     Project Lion was launched on 15 August 2020 for the long-term conservation of the Asiatic lion.

    ¨     The project focuses on disease surveillance, veterinary support, habitat improvement, and landscape-level management.

    ¨     These conservation measures aim to strengthen the protection of Asiatic lions across the Gir and Greater Gir landscape.