The outcome of Asiatic lion census is definitely a matter of rejoice for the wildlife lovers, but the increase in number of lions from 411 in 2010 to 523 in 2015 has raised issues of conservation of the big cats, especially in wake of the straying area. However, the area has also been doubled from 10,000 sq km to 22000 across the Saurashtra region. Interestingly, the lion population has increased merely 4.4 per cent in Gir National Park & Sanctuary, while the count has gone up whopping 130 per cent in revenue areas or near human habitat.
“At present, the local population is sensitive towards lions despite scattered incidents of man-animal conflicts as well as attack of big cats on cattle,” said a senior forest official, adding that the same situation may not remain permanently, in case of constant threat to lives of human and domestic animals. “This is the right time to think about alternative abode for the Asiatic lions - within Gujarat or outside Gujarat to conserve the endangered species,” he said, requesting anonymity. According to the official, one should not forget that dispersion of the big cats resulted killing of as many as 14 lions and 10 of them in rail mishap.
As the carrying capacity of the protected areas in Gir is 260 lions, it is obvious that the majestic animals would go outside its traditional abode in search of food and water. The officials fear that there are chances of unnatural deaths of lions in future considering that fact that they are roaming around in non-forest areas spread across eight districts.
From the point of view of conservation, the biggest task for the State forest department is to avoid man-animal conflict. For the purpose, the forest department will have to ensure availability of prey and water at certain distances to protect human beings as well as their cattle. Incidents of lions’ death due to electrocution have also been registered the past few years.
Shifting some lions in Madhya Pradesh is not a bad option, he opined, maintaining that the increase in number of lions has become a political and prestige issue for Gujarat Government. A railway line connecting Pipavav Port and passing near the Gir Sanctuary area has literally become graveyard for the Asiatic lions and something has to be done on priority basis to curb lion death on railway tracks, he added. Moreover, Mining activities, increasing construction activities surrounding Gir area and a State highway passing through the sanctuary are some of the other hurdles for the State forest department for the conservation of Asiatic lions.