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Asiatic Lions Reclaim Barda Wildlife Sanctuary After 144 Years
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Firstpost•14-10-2026, 14:03
Asiatic Lions Reclaim Barda Wildlife Sanctuary After 144 Years
- •A new study published in PLOS One confirms that Asiatic lions have permanently returned to the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary after 144 years.
- •The population currently stands at 17 lions, established through natural migration and the strategic introduction of five female lions by the Gujarat Forest Department.
- •Research tracking six radio-collared lions revealed that wild pigs make up 55 percent of their diet, supplemented by cattle and introduced spotted deer.
- •Conservation measures include hiring daily trackers, deploying quick-response teams for conflict management, and improving local water and grassland habitats.
- •Spanning 192 square kilometres across Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka, Barda now offers morning and afternoon wildlife safaris for visitors.
Key Questions Answered
Asiatic lions have successfully returned to the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary after a period of nearly 144 years.
Currently, there are 17 Asiatic lions living across the forests and grasslands of the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
Wild pigs make up the majority of the lions' diet at 55%, while domestic cattle account for 17%.
