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Gir Lion – Resurgence Story
of Gujarat and Government of
India, and crucially underpinned
by the deep cultural connection
and active participation of local
communities.
Key policies driving this
success include comprehensive
habitat improvement, such as
the annual removal of invasive
Dr AP Singh, IFS
alien species like Lantana and
Principal Chief Conservator
Cassia tora. Recognising water
of Forest & Head of the Forest
scarcity as a critical factor, the
Force, Gujarat
GFD strategically augmented
water points, predominantly
utilising sustainable solar
pumps and windmills to ensure
year-round water availability for
wildlife. Managing the inevitable
human- wildlife conflict has
been prioritised through
The Asiatic Lion population measures like providing farmers
in Gujarat’s Gir landscape with protective machans,
has achieved a remarkable deploying fully equipped Rapid
milestone, growing from 674 Response Teams (RRTs) for swift
individuals in 2020 to 891 in 2025 intervention and ensuring timely,
a significant increase of 217 streamlined compensation for
lions (32.20%). This impressive livestock loss.
recovery is a testament to a Significant advancements
multi-faceted conservation in veterinary care have been
strategy implemented by the pivotal. The GFD upgraded
Gujarat Forest Department (GFD), existing facilities and
supported by the Government established new, well-equipped
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