India’s lion population has increased by 32% from 2020 to 2025, with 891 lions reported in Gujarat.
The number of adult female lions, key for future growth, rose by 27% to 330.
Gir National Park and Paniya Wildlife Sanctuary still have the highest lion population (394 lions), but lions are spreading into other parts of Gujarat.
More lions are now found outside the protected areas, leading to increased human-lion conflict.
Lion conservation experts emphasized the need for new lion habitats to reduce human interaction.
Gujarat can host up to 2,000 lions, but the rising number of cattle carcasses shows the need for better management.
Project Lion, a ₹2,900-crore initiative, was approved by Prime Minister Modi to improve and expand lion habitats in Gujarat.
From 2015 to 2020, the lions' territorial range grew by 36.4% (to 30,000 sq. km), and by 2025, it increased by 16.67% (to 35,000 sq. km).
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