The estimated population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has increased to 891 from 674 five years ago as per the census conducted this month, officials said on Wednesday (May 21, 2025).

"Not only the count went up by 217, but the animals were found outside the Gir National Park, their traditional habitat, and spread across 11 districts of Saurashtra including non-forested and coastal areas," the officials said.

As per the last census conducted in June 2020, the population of Asiatic lions, a subspecies only found in Gujarat's Gir area, was estimated at 674. As per the latest count, there are estimated 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adults and 225 cubs, said the Gujarat Forest Department.

As the population of lions is increasing, their spread in Saurashtra region has also expanded. The big cats were earlier confined to the Gir National Park in Junagadh and Amreli districts, but now they have spread to 11 districts, an official said. "As many as 384 lions were counted in Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary and 507 were found outside its limits," said Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest.