World Lion Day: Bhupender Yadav hails India's "remarkable journey" in lion conservation
New Delhi, August 10
Marking World Lion Day on Monday, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasised India's commitment to the conservation and protection of the Asiatic lion.
In a post on X, Yadav said, "On World Lion Day, we celebrate India's remarkable journey in lion conservation. India's success in conserving the Asiatic Lion is a proud testament to our unwavering commitment to wildlife and biodiversity. From protecting critical habitats to strengthening conservation efforts, India has demonstrated that development and nature conservation can move forward together."
He added, "From 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025, the steady growth of the Asiatic Lion population reflects the dedication of our forest officials, conservationists, local communities and all those working tirelessly to protect this magnificent species. As we mark World Lion Day, let us reaffirm our resolve to safeguard our natural heritage and ensure that the roar of the Asiatic Lion continues to resonate for generations to come."
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi described the lion as "our pride, our responsibility" and called for strengthened efforts towards wildlife conservation and the protection of India's natural heritage.
"Our pride, our responsibility. On World Lion Day, let's celebrate the majestic Asiatic Lion and strengthen our commitment towards protecting wildlife, preserving biodiversity and safeguarding India's natural heritage for generations to come. #WorldLionDay," he posted.
India's efforts to conserve the Asiatic lion, particularly across Gujarat's Gir and Greater Gir landscapes, have emerged as a remarkable example of successful big-cat conservation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who visited Gir last year, I was amazed at how well-managed the sanctuary is. The guides were knowledgeable and the local communities are genuinely invested in protecting the lions. India is setting a global example here.
These numbers are encouraging, but we must also consider the challenge of having all Asiatic lions in one geographic area. Disease outbreak or a natural calamity could devastate the entire population. I hope we're seriously working on a second habitat for them.
The real heroes are the maldharis and local villagers who coexist with these big cats. They lose livestock but still protect the lions. Government should increase compensation schemes for them. 🙏
Impressive numbers! The Asiatic lion story is one of the best conservation success stories in Asia. It shows that when governments, NGOs, and local people work together, wildlife can thrive alongside development.
Good news, but let's not get complacent. The lion is still listed as endangered by IUCN. We need more anti-poaching patrols, better genetic diversity management, and we must address the human-wildlife conflict as lion territories expand.
The Gujarat government deserves special appreciation. The lion is not just an animal,
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