Even The Jungle King Needs Protection: Government Launches Rs 98 Crore ‘Asiatic Lion Conservation Project’

The Union government on Thursday (20 December) launched the ‘Asiatic Lion Conservation Project’ to protect the only remaining free-ranging population of Asiatic Lions and its surrounding habitat.

The Asiatic Lion, listed on the IUCN list as an Endangered species, can only be found in the Gir National Park and its surrounding areas in Gujarat. According to the 2015 Asiatic Lion Census, the lion population is estimated to consist of only 523 individuals, comprising 109 adult males, 201 adult females and 213 cubs.

However, it should be noted that due to the Indian government's efforts, the population of Asiatic lions in the country has reached three-digit figures. A single population of fewer than 50 lions persisted in the Gir forests of Gujarat by late 1890s.

The project, with a total budget of Rs 97.84 crore, will be spread over three years. It will be taken up as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme and funded under the Development of Wildlife Habitat (CSS-DWH) programme. The Centre and the states will have a contributing ratio of 60:40 respectively.

The Union Environment Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan, noted, “the Asiatic Lion Conservation Project will strengthen the ongoing measures for conservation and recovery of Asiatic Lion with the help of state-of-the-art techniques/ instruments, regular scientific research studies, disease management, Modern surveillance/ patrolling techniques.”

Also Read: Time Is Running Out: Why We Must Do Whatever It Takes To Save The Asiatic Cheetah