Asiatic Lion population increased

On June 10, 2020, PM Modi on Twitter announced about the increase in population of Asiatic Lions.

Highlights

The Asiatic Lion population has increased by 29%. It was 523 in 2015 and has increased to 674 in 2020. India has recorded 36% increase in distribution area of lions. It was 22,000 square kilo metres in 2015. In 2020, the spread increased to 30,000 square kilo metres. The Asiatic Lions are currently in the protected areas of agro-pastoral landscape of Saurashtra, Gujarat.

How did the population increase?

The Asiatic Lion population increased steadily due to the following reasons

• Community Participation
• Emphasis on Technology
• Proper Habitat Management
• Wildlife Healthcare
• Steps that minimize human-lion conflicts.

Asiatic Lions

The Asiatic Lion is listed under Endangered in IUCN red list. This is mainly because of their small population size and area of occupancy.

The Asiatic Lions are found in western and middle Asia. In India there were found in the region between the Indus river in the west, till Bengal in the east and till Narmada river in the south. Today they are restricted to Gir Forest National Park.

In India, the Asiatic Lions are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2020