16 June 2015
One often receives negative news when working with endangered species, but sometimes true glimmers of hope emerge, showing that it is not too late to turn the tide. The latest survey of the Asiatic lion in Gujarat, India, suggests that the population has increased from 359 individuals in 2005 to 523 individuals in 2015. Over 2,500 people were involved in the survey. WWF India welcomes the increased number of lions but also emphasises that it adds to the challenge of conserving their habitat and managing the existing conflicts between humans and lions.
The range of the Asiatic lion once stretched as far as Europe, but the subspecies is now only found in Gujarat, in and around the Gir National Park. The fact that the remaining population exists solely in one area makes it even more vulnerable, so there are plans to introduce the Asiatic lion to another nature reserve. Here you can read more about the intended nature reserve.
More about the Asian lion and its threat status can be found here and Further information about the inventory can be read here.