Conservation of Lions
Context: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Sunday said the rise in the Asiatic lion population in Gujarat reflected India’s intimate relationship with nature and wildlife.
UPSC Relevance
Questions have been asked about species, their behaviors and conservation efforts in UPSC Prelims.
PYQ: 2024 Prelims
Consider the following statements:
1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
2019 Prelims
Consider the following statements:
1. Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only.
2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Lion Population Growth in Gujarat
- The population of the Asiatic lion in Gujarat has seen a significant increase, with an estimated count of 891 lions, up from 674 five years ago. This represents a growth of 32% since 2020.
- This success is credited to conservation efforts and the Prime Minister’s resolution to boost the lion population and develop the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Barda Hills as a new habitat.
India’s Commitment to Conservation
- International Big Cat Alliance: Established to work on the conservation of the seven big cat species, with five of them found in India.
- Project Lion: A comprehensive initiative covering habitat management, human-animal conflict mitigation, and scientific research.
- Mr. Yadav also praised the Maldhari community for their unique coexistence with lions, which serves as a model for conservation.
Broader Conservation Efforts
The Minister also shared information on other conservation successes in India:
- Tiger population: The number of tiger reserves in India has increased to 58, hosting 70% of the global tiger population.
- Snow leopard population: The population of snow leopards in India is currently at 714, with conservation efforts continuing.
- Cheetah reintroduction: African cheetahs have been successfully reintroduced into India.
- Other projects: Ongoing projects include Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Project Dolphin, and Project Great Indian Bustard, which reinforce India’s leadership in conservation.
Facts about Lions
| Category | Details |
| Physical Characteristics | – Well-muscled, broad-chested body; large head and short legs- Male weight: (150-250kg); female: (120-180kg)- Coat: tawny, yellow-gold, sometimes buff yellow, orange-brown, white-gray, dark brown; adult males have manes (varies in color and length)- Cubs have rosette spots; fades with maturity- Eyes: —the largest among carnivores |
| Social Behaviour | – Most social of all wild felids; live in prides- Pride consists of related females, cubs, and 1-4 adult male.- Females are the stable unit; males disperse- Mostly females hunt. – Social bonding through grooming, head rubbing, nuzzling; mutual grooming helps keep clean- Roaring, growling |
| Breeding Habit | – Females polygamous but mate within the pride- Breed year-round; wild lions usually breed once every two years |
| Conservation Status | – Listed as “Vulnerable” on IUCN Red List- 90% population decline in last century; – Extinct in 26 African countries; extinct in North Africa and Southwest Asia |
| Distribution Range | – Historically ranged across Africa, Asia, parts of Europe- Now found mainly in scattered populations across sub-Saharan Africa and a small population in Gir Forest, India- Habitats: grassy plains, open woods, savannahs, dry brush forests; rarely in closed forests- Asiatic lion now survives only in India |
Related Article: https://anantamias.com/current-affairs/tiger-density-in-kaziranga-tiger-reserve/