Asiatic Lion - Data, Pictures & Videos

[Wolverine]

Brother, I have read Matias's post, its quite interesting. I agree that if Gujarat loose its monopoly on lions probably Gujarati people will be less enthusiastic to protect lions. That's important moment.
BUT its not true that translocation to Kuno-Palpur sanctuary is a "marketing" project, this project is supported by scientific community in India and abroad, Asiatic lions do need second home.
Secondly, the goal is not to create a genetically sufficient and independent lion population in Kuno-Palpur sanctuary. Kuno will be a back up population, genes of Kuno lions have to be artificially refreshed by humans with Gir lions and opposite. Its the case with all big cats in India, including tigers because its not possible to connect with corridors all big cats subpopulations in increasingly fragmentated wild habitat among ever increasing human population.
History shows that in any single spot of the planet periodically, at least once per century explode a civil war, civil conflict, and the wild animals are among the first victims. What will happen with lions if after 60, 80 or 100 years civil war starts in Gujarat??? Now everything is calm and peaceful but future is unpredictable.... Gujarati lions need a back-up population. 

Yes, maldharis are very nice, very interesting folks, they really respect lions. But there is a problem wit maldharis. As all humans maldharis have kids, many kids, they multiply.... Now inside the Gir forest there are let's say ... 3000 maldharis, after 20 years they will be 4000, after 50 years - 5000... in one moment they will turn Gir forest into desert. Soon or late has to be taken painfull decision to relocate maldharis or at least majority of them. If Gurati authorities want to be respected they have to declare all Gir forest a national park, not only 1/6 of it. Yes, lions are increasing, but Gir forest is in danger... Reply