The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has launched the “Asiatic Lion Conservation Project” to protect and conserve the population of Asiatic Lion and its associated ecosystem.The Asiatic Lion Conservation Project is aimed at the conservation and recovery of Asiatic Lion with the help of up to date techniques, instruments, regular scientific research studies, disease management, modern surveillance and patrolling techniques.

The total budget of the “Asiatic Lion Conservation Project” for 3 years stands at about Rs. 9784 lakh. The project will be funded under the ‘Development of Wildlife Habitat (CSS-DWH)’ scheme which is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. The cost will be borne in the 60:40 ratio by the Central and State government.

Asiatic Lion

• Asiatic Lions are listed as ‘Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List.
• Its population is restricted to the state of Gujarat in India.
• With serious conservation efforts of the State and the Union Government, the population of Asiatic lions have increased to over 500 which used to be around 50 by late 1890
• As per the 2015 census, there were a total of 523 Asiatic Lions in Gir Protected Area Network
• The Gir Protected Area Network of Gujarat includes Gir National Park, Gir Sanctuary, Pania Sanctuary, Mitiyala Sanctuary and adjoining forests. It has an area of 79 sq. km.