Ahmedabad, April 21 (IANS) The Gujarat Forest Department will conduct the 16th Asiatic lion population estimation between May 10 and 13 this year.
The census will be carried out in two phases across an estimated 35,000 sq kms spanning 11 districts and 58 talukas of the state, using the ‘Direct Beat Verification’ method, as per government orders.
Asiatic lions are found exclusively in Gujarat’s Gir forest and surrounding landscapes in Saurashtra.
Since 1980, Gir has been globally recognised as the sole habitat of the Asiatic lion, making these majestic animals a symbol of pride not only for Gujarat but also for Asia.
This quinquennial census, first initiated in 1936, will document not just the population count but also key data such as movement patterns, gender, age groupings, identity markers, GPS locations, and pride compositions of the lions.
The preliminary estimation will take place on May 10 and 11, followed by the final count on May 12 and 13.
Approximately 3,000 trained volunteers, along with regional, zonal, and sub-zonal officers, will participate in the operation.
The use of advanced technologies such as high-resolution cameras, radio collars, the e-GujForest mobile application, and GIS software will enhance accuracy and real-time data collection.
The government has also strengthened community involvement by establishing Eco-Development Committees in rural areas, appointing Van Mitras (forest friends), and organising regular nature education camps.
These initiatives complement the scientific and technological efforts to ensure the continued protection and monitoring of the Asiatic lion population.
The government has expanded the lion’s protected range beyond Gir to include satellite habitats like Girnar, Mitiyala, and coastal areas of Amreli and Bhavnagar, ensuring a wider and more resilient landscape for their movement.
The establishment of eco-development committees and the deployment of Van Mitras have strengthened grassroots-level conservation, fostering cooperation between local communities and forest officials.
Rescue teams, veterinary care units, and rapid response systems are also in place to deal with injuries, man-animal conflict, and health emergencies.
Additionally, awareness campaigns, nature education camps, and sustainable eco-tourism initiatives help generate public support for lion conservation while creating livelihoods for people living near lion habitats.
–IANS
jhanvi/rad
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by BhaskarLive.in and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of BhaskarLive.in We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, BhaskarLive.in takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
