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World Lion Day 2025: Barda Sanctuary Emerges as Gujarat’s Rising Roar in Asiatic Lion Conservation

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Now Hosts 17 Lions, 25 Leopards; Gujarat Leads with 891 Lions in 2025 Census
Indian Masterminds Stories

Gandhinagar: As India celebrates World Lion Day 2025, Gujarat marks a significant milestone in wildlife conservation with the successful ecological transformation of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary into a thriving secondary habitat for the Asiatic lion.

Spearheaded by the Gujarat Forest and Environment Department and under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the project reflects the central philosophy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conservation mantra: “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” — blending development with heritage preservation.

Barda’s Ecological Comeback: From Forest to Functional Habitat

Located near Porbandar in coastal Saurashtra, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is now home to 17 Asiatic lions, including cubs, and a stable population of 25 leopards, as per the 2023 wildlife census.

Once a degraded forest patch, Barda has been scientifically revived through:

  • Grassland rejuvenation
  • Prey base augmentation
  • Radio-collar tracking
  • Technology-enabled wildlife surveillance

The sanctuary has achieved a rare distinction — 100% lion habitation within its protected boundaries — underscoring its success as a conservation landscape.

read also: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel Approves Rs4,179 Crore for Urban Development Projects Across Gujarat

Barda Jungle Safari: Eco-Tourism with a Conservation Heart

In a move to blend wildlife protection with public awareness and local development, the Gujarat Forest Department launched a guided jungle safari in Barda from October 16 to June 15 every year.

Safari Cost (per trip for up to 6 persons):

  • ₹1400 – Gypsy charge
  • ₹400 – Guide fee
  • ₹400 – Government permit
  • Total: ₹2200

Additional visitor-friendly infrastructure includes:

  • Parking facilities
  • Waiting lounges
  • Sanitation amenities

Year-round access to Kileshwar Mahadev Temple, ensuring cultural respect alongside ecological integrity

Community at the Core: Maldhari Involvement Powers Conservation

A hallmark of Barda’s model is community integration. Traditional pastoralist groups, particularly the Maldharis, are key stakeholders in:

  • Eco-tourism operations
  • Conservation surveillance
  • Habitat upkeep

Their involvement exemplifies Gujarat’s citizen-centric, participatory governance in environmental protection — where local livelihoods and biodiversity preservation coexist in harmony.

read also: Gujarat’s Green Push: CM Bhupendra Patel Unveils Urban Forest and Birsa Munda Statue in Ahmedabad – Details Inside

Lion Census 2025: Gujarat Roars with 891 Asiatic Lions

The latest 2025 Lion Census records 891 Asiatic lions in Gujarat, with over 50% living outside the Gir Protected Area, validating the success of habitat decentralisation under Project Lion.

This flagship initiative by the Central Government focuses on:

  • Health security for big cats
  • Habitat diversification
  • Prey base strengthening
  • Technological surveillance
  • Barda stands as a strategic pillar in this national vision.
  • India’s Global Big Cat Leadership

India’s rising conservation efforts align with PM Modi’s International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a global coalition aimed at protecting the world’s major feline species.

Barda Sanctuary — now a symbol of India’s big cat stewardship — offers replicable solutions for other nations seeking to balance urbanisation with wilderness protection.


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