Conservation of expanding distribution range of the dispersing Asiatic Lion Panther leo persica

16-03-2012
Conservation of expanding distribution range of the dispersing Asiatic Lion Panther leo persica
IUCN
http://portals.iucn.org/2012forum/?q=node/360

Gujarat State in India has a distinction in protecting the wildlife and is perhaps a world model in conservation. Non-violence is a way of life for the people of Gujarat, as they respect plants and animals and do not harm them. Asiatic lion, Panthera leo persica, disappeared from every part of its previous habitat, except the Gir forest in Gujarat. In the second half of the 20th century, when the Asiatic lion was on the verge of extinction, several conservation actions were initiated to protect the lion habitat. People of Gujarat owned Asiatic lion and initiated protection measures after declaring the Gir forest as wildlife sanctuary in 1965. The Gir Sanctuary Project, local initiatives and support of local people brought tremendous positive impact on lion´s habitat and wildlife population. Number of ungulates consistently increased from about 6,400 in early 1970s to 64,850 individuals in 2011. During the same period, the number of lions increased by two and half folds. Dispersion of the lion in the new areas and people´s acceptance are also interesting. In 2010, one fourth of the total lions (105 lions) had occupied six satellite areas. In May 2011, over 510 leopards were counted in the lion distribution range. Thus, over 920 big cats -lions and leopards survive in the Gir landscape and its satellite areas in the three districts. About 3,500 domestic animals are killed by the lions and leopards around the Gir forest, in satellite areas and in villages but people do not act against the lion, rather they feel honoured to possess animal in their areas. Co-existence of the lion and people in the lion distribution range is an interesting conservation story.