<p>A picture of an Asiatic lion standing on the banks of Arabian Sea in western India Gujarat state has left netizens awestruck, reminding many of the Narnia film franchise.</p>

<p>The undated picture went viral on social media soon after the Chief Conservator of Forests of Junagadh region shared it on X and wrote, ''A lion was spotted in the Darya Kantha area during the Bhadrawa Poonam patrol.''</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="gu">ભાદરવા પૂનમ પેટ્રોલિંગ દરમ્યાન દરિયા કાંઠા વિસ્તારમાં સિંહ જોવા મળ્યુ <a href="https://t.co/kFM1hP11yz">pic.twitter.com/kFM1hP11yz</a></p>
— CCFJunagadh (@JunagadhCcf) <a href="https://twitter.com/JunagadhCcf/status/1708117453258281098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Indian Forest Service officer, Parveen Kaswan, commented, “When #Narnia looks real. A lion king was captured enjoying the tides of Arabian Sea on the Gujarat coast. Courtesy: CCF, Junagadh."</p>

<p>In the photo, the majestic creature can be seen standing on the shores, seeming to enjoy the water waves.</p>

<p>This enchanting sight is reminiscent of a moment from <em>The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe</em>&nbsp;which showed the noble Aslan standing before the vast expanse of the sea.</p>

<p>Gujarat’s Gir National Park is home to the world’s only Asiatic lion population and the only place outside Africa where a lion can be seen in its natural habitat.</p>

<p>There are approximately 600 Asiatic lions left in the Gir Forest.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chipotle-manager-rips-off-employees-hijab-sparks-legal-firestorm-641500">US: Chipotle manager rips off employee's Hijab, sparks legal firestorm</a></p>

<p>Asiatic lions were once the world’s most threatened species due to indiscriminate hunting by the people of Junagarh, while they were completely wiped out from other parts of Asia.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/in-a-first-columbus-original-letter-announcing-discovery-of-america-to-go-on-sale-641453">Columbus' original letter announcing ‘discovery’ of America to go under the hammer</a></p>

<p>But thanks to the conservation efforts of Nawabs of Junagarh and timely efforts by the Department of Forest Officials after the independence, the population of Asiatic lions grew steadily.</p>

<p>From a population of approximately 20 lions in 1913, they have risen to a comfortable 523, according to the 2015 census.</p>

<p>There are 106 male, 201 female and 213 sub-adult lions in the wilderness of these four districts, Gir National Park’s website has stated.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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A picture of an Asiatic lion standing on the banks of Arabian Sea in western India Gujarat state has left netizens awestruck, reminding many of the Narnia film franchise.

A picture of an Asiatic lion standing on the banks of Arabian Sea in western India Gujarat state has left netizens awestruck, reminding many of the Narnia film franchise. The undated picture went viral on social media soon after the Chief Conservator of Forests of Junagadh region shared it on X and wrote, ''A lion was spotted in the Darya Kantha area during the Bhadrawa Poonam patrol.'' ભાદરવા પૂનમ પેટ્રોલિંગ દરમ્યાન દરિયા કાંઠા વિસ્તારમાં સિંહ જોવા મળ્યુ pic.twitter.com/kFM1hP11yz — CCFJunagadh (@JunagadhCcf) September 30, 2023 × The Indian Forest Service officer, Parveen Kaswan, commented, “When #Narnia looks real. A lion king was captured enjoying the tides of Arabian Sea on the Gujarat coast. Courtesy: CCF, Junagadh." In the photo, the majestic creature can be seen standing on the shores, seeming to enjoy the water waves. This enchanting sight is reminiscent of a moment from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe which showed the noble Aslan standing before the vast expanse of the sea. Gujarat’s Gir National Park is home to the world’s only Asiatic lion population and the only place outside Africa where a lion can be seen in its natural habitat. There are approximately 600 Asiatic lions left in the Gir Forest. Also read | US: Chipotle manager rips off employee's Hijab, sparks legal firestorm Asiatic lions were once the world’s most threatened species due to indiscriminate hunting by the people of Junagarh, while they were completely wiped out from other parts of Asia. Also read | Columbus' original letter announcing ‘discovery’ of America to go under the hammer But thanks to the conservation efforts of Nawabs of Junagarh and timely efforts by the Department of Forest Officials after the independence, the population of Asiatic lions grew steadily. From a population of approximately 20 lions in 1913, they have risen to a comfortable 523, according to the 2015 census. There are 106 male, 201 female and 213 sub-adult lions in the wilderness of these four districts, Gir National Park’s website has stated. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

When fiction becomes reality: Photo of Asiatic lion standing on Arabian Sea shore goes viral

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidLJZGlLwkzBff" /><meta charset="utf-8" />In what comes as astonishing news for the wildlife conservation projects in India, the government has agreed to another sanctuary for the Asiatic lions, apart from the current Gir National Park in the western Indian state of Gujarat. The lion conservation project has been so successful that Gir has become overcrowded, leading to demands for newer pastures for the majestic big cats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, about 100 km away from Gir National Park has been proposed as the second home for the Asiatic lions. About 40 lions are being prepared to ferry to their new abode.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/stunning-zero-rhinos-poached-in-the-indian-state-of-assam-in-nearly-45-years-549207" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | STUNNING! Zero rhinos poached in the Indian state of Assam in nearly 45 years</strong></a></p>

<p>Gir is the home to the world's only Asiatic lion population and the only place outside the African subcontinent to have a population of lions, prancing around in their natural habitat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India for the Gujarat government titled “Lion@2047: A vision for Amrutkal” batted for Barda as the potential resting place for the lions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Activities to prepare this sanctuary for future natural dispersal will be taken up. Herbivore population augmentation through breeding activities will be taken up. A large part of Barda is covered by thick Acacia Senegal – thickets of Gorad, which does not allow easy penetration of herbivores. This may be removed and replaced by sparse vegetation,” read the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wildlife conservation experts are of the view that announcing Barda as the official, new lion sanctuary will open door to more funding and better management of the area. If the lions thrive in Barda, akin to Gir, the government may finally agree to send the lions to other states.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-south-african-rhino-poaching-drops-conservation-efforts-are-paying-off-509865" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: South African Rhino poaching drops; conservation efforts are paying off</strong></a></p>

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<p>Notably, in 2013, the Supreme Court of India ordered the Gujarat government to move some of the lions to a sanctuary in the neighbouring state of Madhya Pradesh. However, the authorities resisted the ruling as lions are one of the biggest crowd-pullers for state tourism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some states have accused Gujarat of being extra possessive of its prized jewel as the new sanctuary is in the same state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the 2020 census, there were 674 (206 lions, 309 lionesses, 130 cubs and 29 unidentified big cats) lions in Gujarat, which is a 29 per cent increase from the 2015 census numbers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In what comes as astonishing news for the wildlife conservation projects in India, the government has agreed to another sanctuary for the Asiatic lions, apart from the current Gir National Park in the western Indian state of Gujarat.

In what comes as astonishing news for the wildlife conservation projects in India, the government has agreed to another sanctuary for the Asiatic lions, apart from the current Gir National Park in the western Indian state of Gujarat. The lion conservation project has been so successful that Gir has become overcrowded, leading to demands for newer pastures for the majestic big cats. Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, about 100 km away from Gir National Park has been proposed as the second home for the Asiatic lions. About 40 lions are being prepared to ferry to their new abode. ALSO READ | STUNNING! Zero rhinos poached in the Indian state of Assam in nearly 45 years Gir is the home to the world's only Asiatic lion population and the only place outside the African subcontinent to have a population of lions, prancing around in their natural habitat. A report prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India for the Gujarat government titled “Lion@2047: A vision for Amrutkal” batted for Barda as the potential resting place for the lions. “Activities to prepare this sanctuary for future natural dispersal will be taken up. Herbivore population augmentation through breeding activities will be taken up. A large part of Barda is covered by thick Acacia Senegal – thickets of Gorad, which does not allow easy penetration of herbivores. This may be removed and replaced by sparse vegetation,” read the report. Wildlife conservation experts are of the view that announcing Barda as the official, new lion sanctuary will open door to more funding and better management of the area. If the lions thrive in Barda, akin to Gir, the government may finally agree to send the lions to other states. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: South African Rhino poaching drops; conservation efforts are paying off × Notably, in 2013, the Supreme Court of India ordered the Gujarat government to move some of the lions to a sanctuary in the neighbouring state of Madhya Pradesh. However, the authorities resisted the ruling as lions are one of the biggest crowd-pullers for state tourism. Some states have accused Gujarat of being extra possessive of its prized jewel as the new sanctuary is in the same state. According to the 2020 census, there were 674 (206 lions, 309 lionesses, 130 cubs and 29 unidentified big cats) lions in Gujarat, which is a 29 per cent increase from the 2015 census numbers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

THIS Indian state is opening up another sanctuary for Asiatic lions as numbers grow exponentially

<p>Asiatic Lions in India's Gir forest has seen a steep rise in numbers in the past five years as it is estimated that 674 of these animals are present in the Gir forest region and other revenue areas of coastal Saurashtra.</p>

<p>The population of these lions have grown by almost 29 per cent in five years and are present in Protected Areas and agro-pastoral landscapes of Saurashtra covering nine districts, over an expanse of about 30,000 sq. km.</p>

<p>The numbers in 2015 were 523 as compared to 674 in 2020. The area his seen an expansion too, from 2015's 22,000 sq.km in 2015 to 30,000 in 2020. Out of 674 lions, there are &nbsp;161 male, 260 female, 45 sub-adult male, 49 sub-adult female, 22 unidentified and 137 cubs.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The census was conducted between 5-6 June by 1,400 staff members of the Forest Department. India Prime Minister praised his home state on the social media and said: “Two very good news: Population of the majestic Asiatic Lion, living in Gujarat’s Gir Forest, is up by almost 29%. Geographically, the distribution area is up by 36%. Kudos to the people of Gujarat and all those whose efforts have led to this excellent feat.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Two very good news:<br />
<br />
Population of the majestic Asiatic Lion, living in Gujarat’s Gir Forest, is up by almost 29%.<br />
<br />
Geographically, distribution area is up by 36%.<br />
<br />
Kudos to the people of Gujarat and all those whose efforts have led to this excellent feat.<a href="https://t.co/vUKngxOCa7">https://t.co/vUKngxOCa7</a> <a href="https://t.co/TEIT2424vF">pic.twitter.com/TEIT2424vF</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1270687817862004736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Over the last several years, the lion population in Gujarat has been steadily rising. This is powered by community participation, emphasis on technology, wildlife healthcare, proper habitat management and steps to minimise human-lion conflict. Hope this positive trend continues!” he added.</p>

<p>These Asiatic lions faced the threat of extinction. According to census provided by the forest department, in the year 1990, there were 284 lions, ever since then, there has been a consistent rise in the population.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The forest department had implemented strategies and interventions like community participation, use of technology, habitat management and increase in prey base, human-lion conflict mitigation. In the year 2018, an outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus was witnessed which killed 36 lions. Later on, vaccines were imported to cure these animals.&nbsp;</p>


Asiatic Lions in India's Gir forest has seen a steep rise in numbers in the past five years as it is estimated that 674 of these animals are present in the Gir forest region and other revenue areas of coastal Saurashtra.

Asiatic Lions in India's Gir forest has seen a steep rise in numbers in the past five years as it is estimated that 674 of these animals are present in the Gir forest region and other revenue areas of coastal Saurashtra. The population of these lions have grown by almost 29 per cent in five years and are present in Protected Areas and agro-pastoral landscapes of Saurashtra covering nine districts, over an expanse of about 30,000 sq. km. The numbers in 2015 were 523 as compared to 674 in 2020. The area his seen an expansion too, from 2015's 22,000 sq.km in 2015 to 30,000 in 2020. Out of 674 lions, there are 161 male, 260 female, 45 sub-adult male, 49 sub-adult female, 22 unidentified and 137 cubs. The census was conducted between 5-6 June by 1,400 staff members of the Forest Department. India Prime Minister praised his home state on the social media and said: “Two very good news: Population of the majestic Asiatic Lion, living in Gujarat’s Gir Forest, is up by almost 29%. Geographically, the distribution area is up by 36%. Kudos to the people of Gujarat and all those whose efforts have led to this excellent feat.” Two very good news: Population of the majestic Asiatic Lion, living in Gujarat’s Gir Forest, is up by almost 29%. Geographically, distribution area is up by 36%. Kudos to the people of Gujarat and all those whose efforts have led to this excellent feat.https://t.co/vUKngxOCa7 pic.twitter.com/TEIT2424vF — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 10, 2020 × Over the last several years, the lion population in Gujarat has been steadily rising. This is powered by community participation, emphasis on technology, wildlife healthcare, proper habitat management and steps to minimise human-lion conflict. Hope this positive trend continues!” he added. These Asiatic lions faced the threat of extinction. According to census provided by the forest department, in the year 1990, there were 284 lions, ever since then, there has been a consistent rise in the population. The forest department had implemented strategies and interventions like community participation, use of technology, habitat management and increase in prey base, human-lion conflict mitigation. In the year 2018, an outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus was witnessed which killed 36 lions. Later on, vaccines were imported to cure these animals.

Gujarat's Gir forest witnesses steep rise in Asiatic Lions, PM Modi lauds the  achievement

The population of Asiatic Lions in Gujarat has witnessed a massive jump in the last five years, from 523 in 2015 to 674 in 2020. The growth rate is a jump of almost 29%.

India: Asiatic lion population in Gujarat rises to 674 in five years