Asiatic Lion Translocation Plan
2023 MAR 29
Preliminary >
Environment and Ecology > Biodiversity > Species in news
Why in news?
- The Indian government is re-examining the long-standing plan to translocate Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) from Gir National Park to Kuno National Park.
More about the News:
- In 2013, the Supreme Court ordered the government to translocate Asiatic lions from Gujarat to the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
- However, the Centre's 25-year roadmap for Project Lion has no provision for any translocation outside Gujarat.
- Instead, the focus is on assisted natural dispersal across Saurashtra by 2047.
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has recently pointed out that the lion population increased by 29% over the past 5 years.
- In view of the recent introduction of cheetahs in Kuno, NTCA is looking for measures to secure the lion’s future beyond Gir.
About Asiatic Lions:
- The Asiatic Lion also known as the Persian Lion or Indian Lion is restricted to India.
- Its previous habitats consisted of West Asia and the Middle East before it became extinct in these regions.
- Distribution:
- Asiatic lions were once distributed to the state of West Bengal in east and Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, in central India.
- At present Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the only abode of the Asiatic lion.
- Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than African lions.
- Protection Status:
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I
PRACTICE QUESTION
Consider the following statements regarding Gir national Park:
1. It has the only wild lion population in Asia.
2. Lion population in Gir has declined consistently in last five years
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer