Big News for Wildlife Lovers: Asiatic Lion Population in India Rises by 32%
India has recorded a remarkable 32% increase in the population of Asiatic lions over the past five years, marking a major success in the country's wildlife conservation efforts. The total count has risen from 674 lions in 2020 to 891 in 2025, with 217 new lions added to the population.
The data, compiled by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, highlights that while 384 lions live within the Gir National Park in Gujarat, a significant 507 lions are now thriving outside the park boundaries, spreading into new regions.
Largest Ever Lion Census Completed in 4 Days
The 16th Asiatic Lion Census was conducted between May 10 and May 13, covering 10 districts, 330 forest beats, 140 sub-beats, and 225 water points in Gujarat. Over 2,225 forest staff participated in this intensive effort.
The census was the largest and most technologically advanced so far. For the first time, high-resolution GPS tracking, mobile apps, and drone surveys were used to ensure precision. Over 196 lions were digitally tagged, and teams tracked them round the clock using camera traps, thermal sensors, and ground patrolling.
Lion Territory Expands to 35,000 sq km
With the growing population, the habitat of Asiatic lions has now expanded to over 35,000 square kilometers, up from 30,000 sq km in 2020 and just 6,600 sq km in 1990. Conservationists attribute this success to better prey availability, water sources, and stringent protection measures.
|
Year |
Lion Population |
Habitat Area (sq km) |
|
1990 |
284 |
6,600 |
|
1995 |
304 |
8,500 |
|
2001 |
327 |
12,000 |
|
2005 |
359 |
13,000 |
|
2010 |
411 |
22,000 |
|
2015 |
523 |
22,000 |
|
2020 |
674 |
30,000 |
|
2025 |
891 |
35,000 |
Prime Minister and Experts Applaud the Effort
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav lauded the forest staff, conservation experts, and community volunteers who contributed to the census. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also praised the state’s forest department for achieving this milestone.
Wildlife experts note that this increase makes the Asiatic lion one of the most successful conservation stories in modern India, and stress the importance of preparing for lion relocation projects to spread the population and reduce ecological stress on Gir Forest.
