Environment News

Asiatic Lion Conservation – Gujarat

October 18 , 2026 14 hrs 0 min 28 0

Gujarat’s Barda Wildlife Sanctuary has become an important second habitat for Asiatic lions after their return following around 144 years.
Barda is located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, across Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts; it covers approximately 192.31 sq. km and was declared a sanctuary in 1979.
According to the 2025 population estimate cited in the report, Barda has 17 lions: 6 adults and 11 cubs; the reintroduction began with a male lion dispersing from Gir in January 2023, followed by the relocation of five females.
Project Lion was launched by the Government of India in 2020.
Barda supports habitat expansion beyond Gir, reducing dependence on a single core area; prey-base improvement and prevention of human–lion conflict are important for long-term conservation.