397 Asiatic Lions Died in Gujarat in the Last 3 years (2019-2021)

Context: As per the Union minister of state for environment, forest and climate change, 397 Asiatic lions died in Gujarat due to various causes.

Rising Asiatic Lions Deaths Spark Government Action for Conservation

Breakup: 66 lions and 60 cubs died in 2019, 73 lions and 76 died the next year, while 76 lions and 46 cubs died in 2021.
- 10.53 % of lions including 3.82 % of cubs have died due to unnatural reasons out of the total deaths
- 182 cubs aged 0-1 year were among the 397 lions that died during 2019-2021
In response to these worrying statistics, the minister emphasized the Central government’s support in the form of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats for lion conservation in Gujarat.

Asiatic Lions

About: They are a member of the Panthera Leo Leo sub-species that is restricted to India presently.
Distribution: At present Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the only abode of the Asiatic lions.

Protection Status:

Under IDWH, financial assistance is provided to State/UT Governments for the protection and conservation of wildlife and its habitats in Protected Areas (PAs) as well as outside PAs and also for the recovery programmes of the critically endangered species.
It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme Other initiatives:
Launch of Project Lion in 2020
Asiatic lion conservation project

News Source: DTE