Story Of the Majestic Beast Lion: Surviving Only In Gujarat, India

The Saurashtra region of Gujarat is divided into many sub regions viz. Kathiawar, Gohilwar, Zalawad, Sorathiawad, and Halar. Gir forest region falls in the Amreli and the Junagadh districts which is the main habitat of Asiatic lions.

At present these majestic beasts are only found in the African continent and the Gir forest region of Gujarat in the Asian continent. The African lions are a bit bigger than Asiatic lions and the male lion weighs around 150 - 180 kgs while the lioness weighs around 100 - 120 kgs. The average lifespan of these beasts is 15 - 18 years. 

Conservation Issues 

Once an endangered species, these majestic beasts were victims of being poached for pleasure by the Kings. The Nawab of Junagadh who was also once a lion hunter was then concerned about the extinction of the lions. He made strict laws for hunting and due to his efforts lions today are into existance. Later on after the indep[endence a conservation act for wildlife to be made by the Government of India and Gir National Park was established in 1965 for the protection of Asiatc lions. The number of lions which were just around 30 is now increased to 650 as in 2017 after the efforts by the Gujarat government to protect them.

Habitat and Distribution 

Approximately 1411 square kilometers of land in Saurashtra has been deployed by the government for these majestic beasts. These lions are protected mainly in five areas of Saurashtra  viz. Gir Lion National Park,  Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Pania Sanctuary, Girnar Sanctuary in Junagadh, and Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary.  Of these five the Paniya and the Gir sanctuary forms the major land of the Gir Conservation area of lions. Government is also planning to establish another Sanctuary near the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary near Porbandar. 

Behaviour

Lions are usually solitary social species,  yet the male Asiatic lions form a loose pride associating with upto 3 males while females are usually more social and they associate upto 12 members forming a large pride. Asiatic lions don’t treat humans as an immediate threat unless it finds itself being provoked, or hailed when with cubs, when mating or is starving. 

Feeding 

Asiatic lions prefer mostly larger prey which weighs around 190 - 580 kgs which includes mostly domestic cattles buffaloes, bullocks, donkey cows, sambar, chital, nilgai, etc. The dominant behaved male usually consumes half of the hunted prey while the rest coalition members share the other half.

Reproduction 

Asiatic lions usually mate in the month from September to mid Jan. During this time they mate for 4 to six days and survive only on water. Gestation period for the females consists of 114 days after which the lioness gives birth to 1 - 4 cubs. The lioness takes care of the cubs and also teaches them to hunt their prey for about twenty four months. After that they plan to give birth  to another set of cubs. 

Protection Initiatives

So far, more than 550 sq. miles has been protected by the Gujarat government under the forest cover area for the preservation of the lions. Institutions like WWF - India works with the Forest Conservation and Preservation department of Gujarat A dedicated team has been developed by the Gujarat government who plays the role of the game rangers to take the injured lions for treatment located in the park itself.