Gujarat: Asiatic Lion census to be conducted in two phases from May 10

Gujarat is set to carry out the 16th edition of the Asiatic Lion Population Estimation from May 10 to 13 in a two-phase exercise that will span across 11 districts of Saurashtra, covering an area of approximately 35,000 square kilometers. The once-in-five-year lion census, which began in 1936, remains one of India's longest-running wildlife monitoring efforts. According to a statement issued by the state government on Monday, around 3,000 trained personnel—including regional, zonal, sub-zonal officers, enumerators, assistant enumerators, and inspectors—will participate in this large-scale operation. The exercise will be conducted in 58 talukas where lions have historically been sighted, and it will follow the 'Direct Beat Verification' method, a technique known for delivering near-perfect accuracy in tracking the elusive big cats.
The 'Direct Beat Verification' method simplifies data analysis and ensures negligible margin of error, the government release noted. This technique has been reliably used for more than three decades across varied terrains including forests, grasslands, coastal belts, and revenue lands. Each participant will be equipped with a set of standardized data sheets and detailed maps of their assigned zones to meticulously record lion sightings. Observations will include information such as the time and direction of movement, sex, age, distinguishing marks, GPS location, and group composition. This granular data will help assess not just the number of lions, but also provide insights into their distribution, health, and behavioral patterns.
Technology will play a key role in the upcoming census. High-resolution cameras, radio collars, the e-GujForest mobile application, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be employed to track lion movements more effectively. Once largely confined to the Gir National Park, Asiatic lions have expanded their range significantly, prompting the inclusion of a broader survey area in recent decades.
Historical data from previous censuses reflects a steady increase in lion numbers. In 1995, 304 lions were recorded. The count rose to 327 in 2001, 359 in 2005, and 411 in 2010. The 2015 estimation pegged the population at 523, and the last census, conducted in 2020 amid the pandemic using a simplified method, recorded a remarkable 674 lions.
The 2025 census is expected to build on decades of conservation efforts, maintaining the scientific rigor and extensive field-level coordination that have characterized previous lion estimations. The findings from this exercise are likely to offer valuable insights for habitat management, inform wildlife policies, and support future planning aimed at preserving one of the world’s last remaining populations of the Asiatic lion.

(State Correspondent)