Asiatic Lion - Data, Pictures & Videos

[Rishi]

Changing of asiatic lion's approximate range each decade, estimated by the area covered in mentioned years lion census. 

Over 10,000 sq.km in '90s. Crossed 20,000 sq.km in2010 to 22,000 sq.km in 2015. Between 25,000-30,000 sq.km to be covered in 2020 census this May.
The 2020 map was made by me based on lion reports from the areas of Jamkandorna, Gondal, Kotda, Sangani, Jasdan, Chotila. This time, most of the range expansion had halogens northwards, very little around the coast & almost negligible to the east (although the numbers increased in first patches east of Gir). One straggler reached Jamnagar district(in caps) in 2015 but was relocated back.

*This image is copyright of its original author

“Gujarat government has written to WII stating that they have not accepted special research ahead of lion census. It has also communicated that WII will not be part of Lion Census 2020 as the state is not using the tiger census model of counting,” said a top WII source. Shyamal Tikedar, principle chief conservator of forest (wildlife), said, “Camera traps will not be used as unlike tigers, lions are not elusive. Direct sighting is effective in counting lions in Gir and its periphery.”

Gujarat govt. are definitely trying to downplay the lion numbers & refused WII involvement (although camera trapping lions doesn't sound like a great plan, but photographs of face will be better too identify by whiskers). Sources said that government, at best, is keen to show a 40% increase against 30% for tigers. But while the final "official" value can be no higher than 850-900, almost all experts consider the actual numbers to be atleast 1000. Reply