World Lion Day 2025
Date: 10 August 2025
Venue: Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Devbhumi Dwarka, Gujarat
Organised by: Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) + Gujarat Forest & Environment Department
Significance
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Celebrated annually on 10 August to promote awareness about lion conservation.
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Focus in India: Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) — found only in Saurashtra region, Gujarat.
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Strong cultural and ecological heritage symbol.
Population Status
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Range: ~35,000 sq. km across 11 districts of Saurashtra.
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Population Growth: 674 (2020) → 891 (May 2025) (+32%).
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Growth credited to Project Lion and Gujarat government’s conservation measures.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
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Location: Porbandar & Devbhumi Dwarka districts.
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Area: 192.31 sq. km.
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Emerging as a second home for Asiatic Lions.
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Lions naturally migrated in 2023 — now 17 lions (6 adults, 11 cubs).
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Part of the Dwarka–Porbandar–Somnath tourism circuit; high eco-tourism potential.
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Planned Safari Park: 248 ha, land allocated.