'Asiatic Lion Conservation Project' launched by Government

The “Asiatic Lion Conservation Project” has been launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEFCC). The main objective of this project is to work for the conservation of the world’s last ranging free Asiatic Lion population and the ecosystem associated with it.
The total budget of the “Asiatic Lion Conservation Project” for 3 years stands at about Rs. 9784 lakh. The project will be funded under the ‘Development of Wildlife Habitat (CSS-DWH)’ scheme which is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. The cost will be borne in the 60:40 ratio by the Central and State government.

About Asiatic Lion

• Asiatic Lions are listed as ‘Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List.
• Its population is restricted to the state of Gujarat in India.
• With serious conservation efforts of the State and the Union Government, the population of Asiatic lions have increased to over 500 which used to be around 50 by late 1890s.
• As per the 2015 census, there were a total of  523 Asiatic Lions in Gir Protected Area Network
• The Gir Protected Area Network of Gujarat includes Gir National Park, Gir Sanctuary, Pania Sanctuary, Mitiyala Sanctuary and adjoining forests. It has an area of 1648.79 sq. km.

The main activities under the ‘Asiatic Lion Conservation Project’ include habitat improvement of the Lions, controlling of diseases among the population, scientific interventions and adequate veterinary care. It will be supplemented with sufficient eco-development works ensuring a stable and viable Lion population in India.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2018