Gujarat's Barda Wildlife Sanctuary emerging as a second home for Asiatic lions

15-10-2026 · English

Topics: Environment · 15 October 2026 Current Affairs (UPSC / TNPSC / SSC / RRB)

News

According to a PLOS One study by Gujarat Forest Department officials, 'Beyond Gir: Barda Wildlife Sanctuary as a Potential Stronghold for Asiatic Lions' (reported Oct 2026), Barda Wildlife Sanctuary now holds 17 lions – the first there in about 144 years (since 1879). Recolonisation began with a male that dispersed on its own; 5 females were later released. GPS collars on 6 lions gave over 1.69 lakh location fixes (2023–25).

Key facts

Background

• The Asiatic lion lives in the wild only in Gujarat, India; Gir became a sanctuary in 1965 and a national park in 1975; 'Project Lion' – 2020; Wildlife Act Schedule I.
• A single population risks being wiped out by disease or disaster, hence the need for a second home. On 15 Apr 2013 the Supreme Court ordered lions moved to Kuno (MP) – this has not happened; Kuno now holds African cheetahs.
• 2025 census: 507 of the 891 lions live outside the Gir National Park and Sanctuary; results were announced by Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on 21 May 2025.

Tamil Nadu link: Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur (Chennai), has a lion safari. Tamil Nadu has no wild lions; its big cats are tigers and leopards.

Source: Open Magazine, The Hans India, NewKerala, 11 Oct 2026; The Tribune, Drishti (2025 census)

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