World Lion Day 2025

• 11 Aug 2025

Why in News? 

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), in collaboration with the Gujarat Forest and Environment Department, marked World Lion Day 2025 (10^th August) at the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Dwarka district, Gujarat. 

• The event celebrated the conservation achievements under Project Lion, aimed at protecting the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). 

Key Points 

• The lion population in Gujarat has risen by 32% since 2020, increasing from 674 to 891, according to the May 2025 lion population estimate (16th census). 
• Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the larger Gir Lion Landscape, is home to 17 Asiatic lions. 

Key Facts About Project Lion 

• Launched: 2020, to secure the future of Asiatic lions in Gujarat's Gir landscape. 
• Focus Areas: Habitat improvement, ecosystem health, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation. 
• Technologies Used: 
  • Radio-collaring & Camera Traps: For monitoring lion movements. 
  • GPS Tracking: Ensures efficient surveillance of lions and vehicles. 
  • Automated Sensor Grid: Includes magnetic, movement, and infrared heat sensors for wildlife tracking. 
  • GIS-based Real-Time Monitoring: Facilitates timely analysis and conservation management. 

Key Facts About Lions 

• The lion is divided into two subspecies: the African lion (Panthera leo leo) and the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). 
  • Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than African lions. 
• Characteristics: 
  • Lions are known for their distinctive appearance, including a tawny coat, a tufted tail, and a prominent mane in males. 
  • They are social animals and live in groups called prides. A pride typically consists of multiple females, their offspring, and a few adult males. 
• Distribution and Habitat: Lions are found in sub-Saharan Africa, and a small population exists in the Gir Forest National Park (India). 
• Protection Status: 
  • IUCN Red List: 
    • African Lion: Vulnerable (Globally) 
    • Asiatic Lion: Vulnerable. 
  • IUCN Green Status of Species Assessment: 
    • Lions: Largely Depleted category 
  • CITES: Appendix I for populations of India, all other populations are included in Appendix II. 
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I and IV 
• Conservation Efforts in India: 
  • Project Lion 
  • Asiatic Lion Conservation Project