Reoccupation of former territories by the Asiatic Lion Panthera leo persica, Meyer, 1826, in southern Saurashtra, Gujarat, India: a vision for future management

Abstract

While the total lion population has increased by 27% from 2010 to 2015, the increase during the same period in protected areas is only 6%, but the increase outside of them is 126%. The total area of the Gir National Park and Sanctuary and the Girnar, Mitiyala, and Paniya sanctuaries and their environs, is approximately 1,900 sq. km, while the current landscape occupied by the Lion in Southern Saurashtra is about 22,000 sq. km. No large wild cat has affected reoccupation of its former habitat on such a scale, neither in Asia nor in Africa, in the last more than 50 years. An encouraging factor which will assist the lion reoccupation of former territories is the sense of tolerance and pride with which the local people view the arrival of lions in their neighbourhood. The fact that lions prey substantially upon nilgai which cause damage to agriculture, has helped in their acceptance by the local communities. However, public opinion can change if lions come in serious conflict with human interests. The authorities, therefore, must prepare a comprehensive prospective management plan, which would assist the lion to reoccupy suitable former habitats including the Barda landscape, allow movement of specimens to prevent in-Breeding, as well as to safeguard the lions, their prey and their habitats.