India has set an instance in lion conservation: Bhupender Yadav

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Sunday (August 10, 2025) mentioned the rise within the Asiatic lion inhabitants in Gujarat mirrored India’s intimate relationship with nature and wildlife.

“India has given a dedication to the world to work for nature’s conservation by means of the rehabilitation of wildlife,” Mr. Yadav mentioned at a World Lion Day perform in Timbdi village below the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat.

As per the census performed in May this yr, the estimated inhabitants of Asiatic lion has elevated to 891 from 674 5 years in the past.

“The progress of India’s lion inhabitants since 1889 (when the final Asiatic lions had been seen) reveals our intimate relationship with nature and wildlife,” Mr. Yadav mentioned.

He mentioned the decision made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi final yr to spice up Gujarat’s lion inhabitants and develop the Barda Sanctuary as a brand new habitat had been fulfilled.

Conservation efforts

Mr. Yadav mentioned local weather change had introduced challenges akin to heavy rain and cyclones. To tackle these, Mr. Modi had initiated international efforts such because the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the International Solar Alliance. “In addition, the International Big Cat Alliance has been established. Conservation work has been undertaken for 5 of the seven large cat species present in India. Asiatic lions are solely present in India, and that too in Gir, and Gujarat will get 100% of the satisfaction for his or her conservation,” he mentioned.

The Minister praised the distinctive bond between the pastoralist Maldhari neighborhood and lions as a mannequin of coexistence. “If one needs to see the instance of wildlife conservation, they need to go to Gir, observe the work of the State authorities, and witness the approach to life of the Maldhari and different native communities,” he mentioned.

Mr. Yadav mentioned the variety of tiger reserves in India had risen to 58 from 47 throughout Mr. Modi’s tenure, and so they host 70% of the worldwide tiger inhabitants. Snow leopard conservation efforts proceed, with their inhabitants in India at present at 714.

On cheetah reintroduction, he mentioned, “Bringing African cheetahs to India was a problem, however we efficiently rehabilitated them.” He additionally talked about ongoing tasks akin to Project Lion, Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Project Dolphin, and Project Great Indian Bustard, that are reinforcing India’s conservation management.

Mr. Yadav mentioned two extra species of massive cats — jaguar and puma — are present in Latin America, and quoted Mr. Modi’s name for international cooperation in conserving all seven large cat species discovered throughout 97 international locations, particularly in Africa and Asia, by means of information sharing, synthetic intelligence, and expertise.

CM launches tasks

On the event, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched 11 eco-development tasks price ₹189 crore, together with a brand new safari park, interpretation centre, and breeding centre at Barda.

Expressing pleasure that after a niche of 143 years, lions had naturally begun re-inhabiting the Barda hills, he mentioned Mr. Modi had introduced all vital help services for lion conservation within the space. “Due to the PM’s imaginative and prescient and the proactive work of the forest division, the profitable conservation story of Gir’s lions has gained international recognition. To be sure that the glory of our Vanraj (Lion King) stays intact and continues to develop, ‘Project Lion’ was launched, protecting lion habitat and inhabitants administration, wildlife well being, human-animal battle mitigation, cooperation with native communities, tourism growth, scientific analysis and coaching, eco-development, and biodiversity conservation,” he mentioned.