New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today lauded the people of Gujarat for community participation that has enabled a significant rise in the population of Gir lion and said that over the last few years, there has been a steady rise in the species’ population in the state.
Taking to Twitter to share the information, the PM said that the distribution area of Gir lions has also up by 36 per cent.
Gir forest, located in Gujarat, PM’s home state, is the last abode of the Asiatic lion in the world. According to the Gujarat forest department, the number of Asiatic lions in the Gir forest region has increased by almost 29 per cent to 674.
“Two very good news: Population of the majestic Asiatic Lion, living in Gujarat’s Gir Forest, is up by almost 29%.
Geographically, the distribution area is up by 36%. Kudos to the people of Gujarat and all those whose efforts have led to this excellent feat,” he tweeted.
Two very good news:
Population of the majestic Asiatic Lion, living in Gujarat’s Gir Forest, is up by almost 29%.
Geographically, distribution area is up by 36%.
Kudos to the people of Gujarat and all those whose efforts have led to this excellent feat.https://t.co/vUKngxOCa7 pic.twitter.com/TEIT2424vF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 10, 2020
He said that a number of positive factors have contributed to the increase in numbers including community participation, emphasis on technology, wildlife healthcare, proper habitat management and steps to minimise human-lion conflict.
“Over the last several years, the Lion population in Gujarat has been steadily rising. This is powered by community participation, emphasis on technology, wildlife healthcare, proper habitat management and steps to minimise human-lion conflict. Hope this positive trend continues!” PM said in another tweet.
Over the last several years, the Lion population in Gujarat has been steadily rising. This is powered by community participation, emphasis on technology, wildlife healthcare, proper habitat management and steps to minimise human-lion conflict. Hope this positive trend continues!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 10, 2020
The population estimation of Asiatic lions is conducted at an interval of every five years. The last population estimation exercise was conducted in May 2015, which pegged the lion numbers at 523.
According to the Gujarat Forest Department, “Poonam Avlokan (full-moon night estimation exercise)” conducted on night of June 5 and 6 this year showed that the lions” population had reached 674, a 28.87 per cent increase. It was the highest growth rate recorded so far, the official release said.
The forest department added that the 15th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation was scheduled during 05-06 May, 2020, but owing to the present COVID-19 situation, it was not conducted as planned.
