Can protecting wildlife and humans coexist peacefully? Gujarat’s recent lion census provides a hopeful yet complex answer. In just five years, the state’s Asiatic lion population has risen by more than 32%, climbing from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025. The data, released by the Gujarat Government during the latest meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Sasan Gir, reveals promising growth but signals critical new challenges.
Over half of Gujarat’s lions, around 56%, reside in forests, mainly within Gir National Park, the iconic sanctuary synonymous with lion conservation. However, almost 44% now roam beyond protected forest boundaries, venturing into agricultural lands, wastelands, plantations, and even areas close to villages and towns.
Why does this matter? When lions stray closer to human settlements, it dramatically heightens the risk of human-wildlife conflict. Wildlife experts warn that increased proximity between people and lions can lead to incidents harming both humans and animals, fueling tensions within communities. This emerging scenario is evident in districts like Amreli in Saurashtra, home to the largest lion population outside Gir, with 332 lions reported.
Dr. Ravi Mehta, a wildlife biologist working closely with Gujarat’s lion conservation program, explains, “While the growth in lion numbers is positive news, it brings new problems. Lions wandering into human areas can cause fear among locals and occasionally harm livestock, leading to retaliatory actions. We must ensure coexistence through strategic planning.”
To tackle this issue, experts suggest practical and compassionate solutions. Improved management practices, such as setting up wildlife corridors and buffer zones around critical habitats, could provide lions safer pathways, reducing interactions with humans. Additionally, awareness campaigns and community involvement programs can help locals adapt to living near wildlife, ensuring mutual safety.
One significant breakthrough in Gujarat’s conservation story is the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, recording lions for the first time since 1879. The presence of 17 lions indicates successful dispersal, thanks to dedicated conservation projects such as India’s ambitious ‘Project Lion.’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated this achievement, emphasizing the importance of continued conservation efforts.
But what steps can individuals take to contribute positively to this delicate balance? Engaging with local wildlife education initiatives, supporting responsible tourism practices, and participating in community conservation workshops are effective ways people can directly support these majestic creatures.
As Gujarat’s lions thrive and expand into new areas, the key challenge remains managing this success sustainably. Conservationists, policymakers, and local communities must work collaboratively, turning this population growth into an opportunity rather than a conflict.
Ultimately, the lion story in Gujarat serves as a powerful example of how human efforts can safeguard wildlife but also a reminder of our ongoing responsibility to ensure peaceful coexistence. Will we rise to this challenge, turning conservation success into a lasting legacy?
