45 lion DEATHS LAST YEAR gujarat

in newer areas they are migrating to

DILIP PATEL
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The official Asiatic lion population figures following the census stands at 411. Quite impressive, looking at the fact that about a century ago there were just 20, standing on the brink of extinction. In the past five years, the number has increased from 358 to 411, an addition of 53.
A area-wise break-up of the 13th Asiatic lion population estimate shows that numbers have increased in Girnar, Mitiliya and Paniya which have been declared sanctuaries in the last three years. The highest increase has been in coastal areas (Una, Kodinar, Sutrapada and Chhara), from 12 to 21.
Chhara in Junagadh is a new area outside the sanctuary limits were lions have begun migrating to.
However, it has been noted that there hasn’t been much increase in the number of big cats in the Gir national park sanctuary and adjoining areas; only six in the national park and seven in Girnar sanctuary. The total increase in surrounding areas is 46, which means that the lions are moving to newer areas which may have human threat, but are are naturally safer for their habitat.
“There are two main reasons why population has increased in newer areas. First, locals where the animals are moving to, are supporting conservation efforts. Second, a substantial nilgai population in these areas,” said principal secretary, forest and environment S K Nanda.
Announcing the estimate results on Sunday, Chief Minister Narendra Modi said, of the total 411 lions, 77 were cubs less than one year old and another 75 were in the one to three year age-group. Thus, almost 40 per cent of the lion population comprises the young as does India’s, which bodes well for the future.”
Modi pointed out that India and many other countries of the world are worried about the gender imbalances creeping into its demographic profile.
“Not so in the case of the Asiatic lion. Their latest population profile shows 97 males against 162 females, making for a ratio of 1:1.67,” he said.
“The immediate result of the rise in female population is that the incidents of male lions devouring cubs have decreased with the females bunching together to ward off such attempts,” he added. The number of females has increased from 124 in 2005 to 162 in 2010.
The chief minister said the Rs 40-crore special package for the Sasan Gir lion sanctuary and its environs announced by the state government had reaped rich dividends following enhanced communication facilities and a crash programme to cover open wells.
“We would lose ten cubs on an average every year due to these open wells. This last year the loss was only one,” he said.
With inputs from agencies

45 DEATHS LAST YEAR

Forty-five lions have died in 2009-10; 41 of these were natural deaths. Of the total deaths, 31 took place inside santuary limits. Three lions died outside the limits; one in a road accident, one by falling off the bridge and one by electric shock. The year also recorded one death by poaching inside the sanctuary.