Gujarat's Gir National Park: Lion population increases by 15%
What's the story
The lion population has finally seen a surge in the past two years as the recent count in and around the Gir National Park is pegged at 650.
Lions, in the age group of 1-2 years, have been found in the reserved forests and outside the national park in Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Gir-Somnath districts.
According to 2105 lion census, their population was 523.
The counting exercise
Lion population recorded on full moon day
The counting exercise for recording the lion population is undertaken every full moon day.
Over 100-odd CCTVs are used during the exercise for effective monitoring of the lions.
An official at the Gir National Park further said that the count is then matched with the records of kills and daily reporting by beat guards.
Information
Lion population reaches record high
The count of nearly 650 lions in and around the Gir National Park has been the highest ever since 1936 as per the official records. There has been nearly an increase of 125-odd in the past two years.
Conclusion
Holistic measures prompted rise in number of lions
Forest minister Ganpat Vasava said that the increase in lion population showed the holistic measures taken by the state.
Speaking of the robust rise in the number of lions, Priyavrat Gadhvi, a member of the state board for wildlife, said it was an encouraging sign in the strengthening of the feline population.