Answer

Introduction

India’s Asiatic lion population has risen from a few dozen in the early 20th century to approximately 891 today, largely due to concerted conservation efforts in Gujarat’s Gir forest. However, the species remains ecologically fragile, as a single catastrophic event—disease outbreak, drought, or forest fire—could threaten the entire population. Scientific consensus, judicial directives, and conservation frameworks all stress the importance of establishing a second free-ranging population to ensure long-term species resilience.

Best Online Coaching for UPSC

Ecological Need for a Separate Population

• Risk diversification : Single-site concentration increases vulnerability to epidemics and environmental disasters.
  Eg: 2018 Canine Distemper Virus outbreak in Gir highlighted rapid disease spread among dense lion populations.
• Genetic resilience : Isolated populations reduce inbreeding risks and maintain long-term evolutionary viability. Gir lions have limited genetic diversity; a separate population would help maintain heterogeneity.
• Metapopulation strategy : Dispersing lions across multiple habitats ensures continuity even if one site faces calamity.
  Eg: Kuno National Park was identified as a suitable second site to create an ecologically separate population.
• Barda Wildlife Sanctuary : The establishment of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (holding 17 lions as of 2026) serves as an internal buffer. However, because it sits just 100 km west of Gir, biologists argue it remains within the same regional pathogen pool, failing to act as a true geographically isolated insurance policy. 

Administrative and Policy Bottlenecks

• State resistance : Gujarat opposes translocation citing regional pride and habitat concerns.
  Eg: Kuno NP remains unpopulated despite Supreme Court orders (CEL v. Union of India) since 2013.
• Inter-agency coordination gaps : Conflicts between forest, wildlife, and state authorities delay project execution.
  Eg: Relocation of villages and habitat restoration at Kuno has been slow.
• Policy inertia and political considerations : Conservation priorities often clash with local political narratives and identity politics.
• Resource allocation : Insufficient funding and logistical planning hinder translocation and monitoring efforts.

Explore UPSC Foundation Courses

Explore UPSC Foundation Courses

Way Forward

• Legally enforce Supreme Court directives : Ensure Gujarat and other stakeholders comply with Kuno translocation orders.
  Eg: Judicial oversight with timelines for phased translocation.
• Strengthen inter-state coordination : Establish a central monitoring body under MoEFCC for oversight and dispute resolution.
  Eg: Task force integrating state forest departments, WII, and NTCA experts.
• Secure and develop alternative habitats : Identify ecologically suitable and geographically distant sites beyond Gujarat.
• Community and stakeholder engagement : Include local populations through compensation, employment, and eco-tourism incentives.
  Eg: Resettlement programs linked to livelihood alternatives in Kuno.

Click to Know UPSC Coaching Centres in India

Conclusion

While India’s Asiatic lion conservation is globally celebrated, its ecological fragility underscores the urgent need for a second, geographically separated population. Addressing administrative bottlenecks and ensuring compliance with judicial mandates will convert this success story into a resilient conservation legacy, safeguarding the species for future generations.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books

Visit PW Store

DOWNLOAD PDF