A Roaring Comeback
For over a century, the Gir Forest in Gujarat has been the exclusive address for the world's last wild population of Asiatic lions. Once hunted to the brink of extinction with numbers dwindling to a few dozen, dedicated conservation efforts have scripted
a remarkable turnaround. The population has steadily climbed, with the 2025 census recording 891 lions, a significant jump from 674 in 2020. This success story, however, carries a hidden vulnerability. Having all of India’s wild lions in one geographic location is like keeping all your eggs in one basket—a risky strategy for a precious natural heritage.
The Danger of a Single Stronghold
Wildlife experts have long warned about the perils of a single, concentrated population. A localized event, such as a disease outbreak or a major natural disaster like a forest fire, could have devastating consequences for the entire species. The 2018 outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) served as a stark reminder of this threat, causing significant mortality among the Gir lions. Furthermore, as the population in Gir grows, so does the pressure on its habitat. Many lions have begun moving outside the protected core area, increasing the chances of human-animal conflict as they venture near farms and villages. This underscores the urgent need for a second, independent population to ensure the lion's long-term survival.
Barda Beckons
After years of debate over potential relocation sites, including Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, nature has started to offer its own solution. The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, located about 100 kilometres from Gir in Gujarat's Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts, has emerged as a promising second home. Lions historically roamed this area but were last recorded there in 1879. The landscape, with its rugged terrain and forests, has been prepared for years under initiatives like 'Project Lion' to serve as an alternative habitat. In a landmark event, a male lion naturally dispersed from Gir and walked into Barda in January 2023, signalling the area's suitability.
A New Population Takes Root
Following the male lion's natural migration, the Gujarat Forest Department augmented this budding population by introducing five females. The move has been a success. As of recent reports, Barda is now home to a growing population of 17 lions, including six adults and their cubs. A recent study published in the journal PLOS One confirmed that Barda offers suitable habitat and prey to sustain a lion population. Researchers who radio-collared the lions found they were establishing territories and relying on wild prey like wild pigs. To support the growing pride, authorities have been augmenting the prey base by releasing hundreds of spotted deer and sambar into the sanctuary.
Securing a Second Kingdom
The establishment of lions in Barda is a significant milestone for conservation. The Gujarat government has formally recognized it as a 'second home' and is taking administrative steps to bolster its management, including reorganizing the local forest division to better protect the habitat. Efforts are also underway to manage the human element, with schemes to voluntarily relocate pastoralist communities from within the sanctuary to reduce potential conflict. By fostering this new population, Barda can act as a vital buffer, relieving pressure on Gir and creating a genetically separate population that serves as an insurance policy for the species. This development marks a shift from conservation success to long-term conservation security for the Asiatic lion.
