The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica): 50 Years Journey for Conservation of an Endangered Carnivore and its Habitat in GIR Protected Area, Gujarat, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2017/v143i10/119351Keywords:
Asiatic Lion, Protected Area, Gir Forest, Greater Gir Landscape, Endangered.Abstract
Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) is a flagship species of the semi-arid dry deciduous forest tracts of Gujarat in Saurashtra. The species was critically endangered and the numbers had drastically reduced from its historic range due to loss of habitat and hunting. A ban on hunting was enforced in the last remnant pocket of their territory, the Gir forests by the erstwhile Nawab of Junagadh. Post-independence, due to the persistent efforts of the State Forest Department with the continuous support of local people, the population has been rescued from the brink of extinction and now the number has reached to 523 in 2015. Because of this the species has been upgraded to Endangered Category of the IUCN. This poses a globally 2 acclaimed conservation success story of a large carnivore. The lion population once confined to about 1800 km2 of Gir forest area now occupies an area of 7000 km2 and is distributed in about 12000 km2 area of Saurashtra region, Greater Gir landscape of Gujarat, thus reclaiming its lost territory. This paper discusses the various measures and actions that were taken to ensure that this unique species could be conserved in its native range and to ensure long term conservation in a dynamic habitat.References
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