(a) the total number of Lions in forest areas of the country as on 31st December, 2014;
(b) the number of Lions in these forest areas during the last three years;
(c) whether poaching is being undertaken with the nexus of forest department officials;
(d) if so, whether the Government has conducted any enquiry in this regard; and
(e) if so, the outcome thereof; and the reaction of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a)&(b) Total number of lions in Gir forest of Gujarat as on 31st December 2014 was 411. The number is based on the population estimation carried out in 2010. The population estimation is carried out in every five years. The last exercise was carried out in 2015 when the population was estimated as 523.
(c) No, sir.
(d)&(e) Does not arise in view of (c) above.
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