Gir's lion population rebounds to 891 despite looming threats

The lion population in Gir National Park has grown to 891, up from 674 in 2020. This marks a notable recovery for the last isolated group of Asian lions in Asia, a species once on the brink of extinction in the region. In 1880, only 12 lions remained in Gir. Over time, conservation efforts helped the numbers rise steadily. However, the population faced setbacks, such as a 2018 outbreak of canine distemper that killed 23 lions.

Today, the lions roam across 35,000 sq km. Yet, new threats have emerged. The Babesia parasite, spread by ticks, poses a serious risk, and recent deaths of eight lions may be linked to this or heat stress. Climate issues, like prolonged droughts, worsen the animals’ stress and weaken their immunity.

Gir National Park also faces pressure from tourism, with 900,000 visitors recorded in 2024. This raises concerns about the impact of human activity on the lions’ habitat. By comparison, Africa’s sub-Saharan regions host between 22,000 and 25,000 lions. The Gir lion population now stands at 891, a sign of successful conservation. Still, disease, climate challenges, and tourism continue to threaten their survival. Authorities must address these risks to maintain the progress achieved so far.