(a) the current lion population in Gir Forest;
(b) whether the conditions surrounding the Gir Forest with concentrated
population of lions are not favourable to the existence;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government is considering to move some of the lions to reserves in adjoining Madhya Pradesh; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRINAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) A lion population of 359 + 10 has been reported in Gir by the Government of Gujarat
as per the census of 2005.
(b) & (c) No such reports have been received from the Government of Gujarat. The rising
trend of population of lions, as placed at Annexure I, does not indicate unfavourable
conditions of the lions at Gir.
(d) & (e) Yes Sir. The State Government of Gujarat has been requested to provide a viable
population of lions for reintroducing in the Kuno Palpur Sanctuary of Madhya Pradesh,
highlighting the imperatives for ensuring an additional home for this species.
ANNEXURE -I
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2424 TO
BE ANSWERED ON 13.03.06 REGARDING LIONS IN GIR FOREST
Statement showing the details of Lion Population in Guiarat State
S.No. Year No of Lions 1 1985 239 2 1990 284 3 1995 304 4 2001 327+5 5 2005 359±10