World Lion Day

World Lion Day

Context

Recently, on the occasion of World Lion Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi acknowledged the efforts of those involved in lion conservation and highlighted India’s commitment to protecting big cats.

Relevance:

GS-02 GS-03 (Government policies and interventions, Conservation)

Key Highlights

• Acknowledgement of Conservation Efforts: Prime Minister Modi commended the work of individuals and organizations dedicated to lion conservation, especially in India’s Gir National Park.
• International Big Cat Alliance: The Prime Minister highlighted the Union Cabinet’s approval of the International Big Cat Alliance in February 2024, aimed at fostering global cooperation in big cat conservation and promoting sustainable development.
• Invitation to Gir National Park: PM Modi invited wildlife enthusiasts to visit Gir National Park in Gujarat, home to the Asiatic Lion, to observe conservation efforts and experience the local hospitality.

Significance

• Strengthening Lion Conservation: The Prime Minister’s message reinforces India’s dedication to protecting its lion population, particularly in Gir, where conservation efforts have led to a significant increase in lion numbers.
• Global Collaboration: The establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance underscores India’s leadership in global wildlife conservation efforts, promoting collaboration among nations to protect big cats and their habitats.
• Promotion of Ecotourism: By inviting wildlife lovers to Gir National Park, the Prime Minister aims to boost ecotourism in Gujarat, thereby supporting local communities and raising awareness about the importance of conservation.

Major Facts About Lions:

• Scientific Name & Subspecies: Lions are scientifically known as Panthera leo and are divided into two subspecies: the African Lion (Panthera leo leo) and the Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica).
• Characteristics: Lions are recognized for their tawny coat, tufted tail, and males’ prominent mane. They are social animals, living in prides consisting of females, their offspring, and a few males.
• Distribution: Lions are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, with a small population in the Gir Forest National Park, Gujarat, India.
• Protection Status: The African Lion is listed as Vulnerable and the Asiatic Lion as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. They are also protected under CITES Appendix I (India) and the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, Schedule I.
• Conservation Efforts in India: India has implemented Project Lion and the Asiatic Lion Conservation Project to protect and conserve the Asiatic Lion.

Gir National Park:

1. Location & Significance: Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Junagadh district of Gujarat and is the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica).
2. History & Habitat: Declared a sanctuary in 1965 and a national park in 1975, Gir Forest is the largest compact tract of dry deciduous forests in semi-arid western India, providing a unique habitat for diverse wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and flora.
3. Cultural Connection: The Maldharis, a religious pastoral community living in Gir, have maintained a symbiotic relationship with the lions, residing in settlements known as “nesses.”
4. Threats: Asiatic lions in Gir face threats from disease (such as the 2018 Canine Distemper Virus outbreak), habitat encroachment, forest fires, grazing, poaching, tourism, and accidental deaths due to human activities.
5. Protection Status: The Asiatic lion is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, protected under CITES Appendix I, and included in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.