Ahmedabad: A team of forest officials in Bhavnagar made a landmark discovery during Gujarat’s 16th lion census, spotting a record-breaking pride of 20 Asiatic lions the highest number ever observed in a single group. The rare sighting signals a thriving and growing lion population in the Saurashtra region.
Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), confirmed that another group of 20 lions was also documented in the area. Bhavnagar’s Deputy Conservator of Forests, Sadik Mujawar, who witnessed the unprecedented pride, reported the presence of two adult males, six lionesses, and approximately 13 cubs aged between three months and one year.
Additional sightings included a pride of nine lions in Rajasthali-Virdi and another group of 17 in the Mitiyala Sanctuary, underscoring Bhavnagar’s emergence as a key lion habitat. Singh noted that groups of 10 to 12 lions are becoming increasingly common across the Gir landscape.
A senior forest official noted that until now, the largest known pride consisted of 18 lions, photographed by Preeti Pandya in Gadakbari in June 2022. The newly observed group of 20 now holds the record as the largest pride documented by the department.
Population Growth May Surpass Previous Records
Forest officials anticipate that this year’s lion population growth may exceed 30%, surpassing the previous increases of 27.25% in 2015 and 29.78% in 2020. If these projections hold, the total population could reach around 900, up from 674 recorded in the last census.
In 2020, approximately 380 lions were reported within the state’s protected sanctuaries — Gir, Mitiyala, Girnar, and Pania while 294 were located in the Greater Gir region and surrounding areas. Officials now suggest that these sanctuaries are nearing or at full capacity, hosting between 425 and 445 lions, with another 440 to 470 estimated to be living outside the protected zones.
The final lion census figures are expected to be officially announced within the next two weeks.