The deaths of Asiatic lions in Gir National Park highlighted a pressing conservation issue, with 28 lions succumbing to Canine Distemper Virus in the autumn of 2018. This event was a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by the species, as feral dogs living near the park were found to be the transmission vector for the virus. The complete dependency of the Asiatic lion population on this single location in Gujarat poses a severe risk: should something threaten Gir, the species could be eradicated entirely.

As of May 2025, India’s 16th Asiatic Lion Census reported a population of 891 lions in Gujarat, a significant increase of 32 per cent from 674 in 2020. While this growth is notable, it concurrently emphasizes the precariousness of having the entire wild population concentrated in one area. The incident in 2018 serves as a critical lesson about the dangers of a single point of failure in conservation.

The Gir National Park itself spans only 1,412 square kilometres, and as of recent reports, over 507 lions are now residing outside this protected region, venturing into human-populated areas and potentially leading to conflicts. This situation elucidates the necessity of diversifying lion habitats to ensure their long-term survival.

The Significance of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, located approximately 100 kilometres west of Gir in Gujarat, is being developed as an ecological safeguard for Asiatic lions. Historically, lions were absent from this rugged region since 1879. However, following extensive habitat restoration efforts, a male lion returned to Barda in 2023, marking a significant milestone. This restoration is further supported by the recent translocation of five lionesses, which have successfully bred, leading to the arrival of eleven cubs. By the latest census in 2025, the lion population at Barda had increased to 17, underscoring the importance of this new habitat.

Barda has now been officially recognised as Satellite Population 8 under Project Lion, a comprehensive conservation initiative financed by the Indian Government. This makes it the first fully protected satellite habitat for lions in Gujarat, illustrating a proactive step towards improving the species’ chances of survival beyond Gir.

To effectively support the new lion population, it is vital to ensure a sustainable prey base. Initial surveys within Barda indicated alarmingly low numbers of spotted deer, crucial for the lions’ diet. To address this, the Gujarat Forest Department adopted the Boma technique for relocating deer from Gir, where populations have exceeded 90,000. This method is preferred for its gentle approach compared to the stress-inducing techniques often employed in wildlife management.

Genetic Considerations for Long-Term Survival

The genetic health of Asiatic lions also remains a concern. Historical bottlenecks, particularly due to hunting, reduced their population to fewer than 50 individuals in the early 20th century, resulting in a critical loss of genetic diversity. This lack has elevated the species’ susceptibility to diseases and challenges in reproduction. Current conservation efforts aim to enhance genetic mixing through careful monitoring and relocation strategies within Barda’s burgeoning pride.

On World Lion Day in 2025, the state of Gujarat announced a budget of Rs 180 crore dedicated to the development of Barda, which includes plans for a safari park worth Rs 75 crore. Furthermore, with the first International Big Cats Alliance Summit scheduled for June 2026, officials have reiterated the importance of diversifying lion habitats in order to secure the future of this iconic species. The widespread agreement among conservation scientists is clear: relying solely on one forest for the survival of Asiatic lions is not the solution.

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