A Success Story's New Chapter
India's effort to save the Asiatic lion is a globally celebrated achievement. From a perilous low of just a few dozen animals in the early 20th century, the population has roared back. According to the 2025 census, Gujarat is now home to 891 lions, a 32%
increase from 2020. This incredible growth, however, means that the lions are no longer confined to the core Gir landscape. They have expanded into a territory of nearly 35,000 square kilometres, spilling into surrounding villages and agricultural lands. While a testament to the species' resilience, this over-concentration in a single geographical area poses significant risks, including the potential for disease outbreaks, like the Canine Distemper Virus that killed several lions in 2018, to wipe out a large portion of the population.
Why Barda is the Chosen One
Located about 100 kilometres from Gir, the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is emerging as the answer to this pressing need for a second, secure habitat. Spread across 192 square kilometres of rugged hills and forests in the Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts, Barda has a history with these big cats; lions roamed this landscape until 1879. Their return began in January 2023, when a male lion naturally dispersed from Gir and walked into the sanctuary, a journey of over 140 years in the making. Following this, the Gujarat Forest Department augmented this budding population by introducing five females. Recent studies have confirmed that Barda's ecosystem, with its mixed forests and grasslands, provides a suitable habitat and the necessary ecological conditions to sustain a lion population long-term.
Preparing the New Home
The establishment of Barda as a second home is a core component of 'Project Lion'. This involves far more than simply moving the animals. Authorities are actively working to improve the sanctuary's carrying capacity. A key focus is enhancing the prey base. Hundreds of spotted deer (chital) have been translocated from Gir to Barda, and sambar deer are also being reintroduced to ensure a steady food supply. This is crucial, as studies of the newly established population show a heavy reliance on wild prey, particularly wild pigs. Additionally, the government has launched schemes to voluntarily relocate the semi-nomadic Maldhari communities living within the sanctuary, offering financial packages to free up the area from human pressure and mitigate potential conflict. Lion trackers have been deployed to monitor the animals' health and movements using GPS collars, ensuring a rapid response to any issues.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the project holds immense promise, it is not without challenges. Some earlier reports had raised concerns about Barda's size and whether it could support a large population, estimating its capacity at around 26 to 40 lions. Habitat improvement and prey augmentation are designed to address these limitations. Another critical point raised by some experts is that Barda's relative proximity to Gir means it may not be a perfect shield against a widespread disease epidemic. Despite this, Barda serves as an essential 'satellite population' and a crucial buffer zone, providing much-needed space and reducing the strain on the core Gir landscape. As of mid-2025, the new Barda population stood at 17 lions, including eleven cubs born in the sanctuary, a clear sign that the lions are adapting and breeding successfully in their new home. This marks a vital step in securing a more distributed and, therefore, more resilient future for India's majestic Asiatic lions.
