Final phase of lion count in Gujarat underway; RS MP Nathwani joins census process

May 13, 2025
Gujarat Saurastra

Ahmedabad: The final phase of the 16th Asiatic lion census in Gujarat is underway, with around 3,000 volunteers assisting in estimating the big cat population, after the first phase concluded on Sunday. The four-day exercise, spanning May 10 to 13, is being conducted across 35,000 sq km, covering 58 talukas in 11 districts.

The preliminary phase concluded on May 11, while the final estimation is being carried out on May 12 and 13. The volunteers include zonal officers, enumerators, and inspectors. To ensure accuracy, the census relies on advanced tools such as camera traps, high-resolution cameras, and radio collars for lion identification. In addition, the “direct beat verification” method is being used to guarantee nearly 100% accuracy through statistical validation.

Notably, Rajya Sabha MP and Director of Reliance Industries, Parimal Nathwani, who is a wildlife enthusiast, also took part in the lion census on Monday as a volunteer. Taking to social media, he said, “Thrilled to share my incredible experience from Day 2 of the Lion Census in Una/Rajula, Amreli District! Spent the entire day observing the process—truly unforgettable. Super excited to join again today!”

In another post, he wrote, “Came across this handsome lion today while on the lion census visit at the Visavadar Range, Lila Pani round, very close to the Jada Jambu tree. Some parts of the Visavadar Range did experience heavy showers giving a respite from the heat.”

The census covers districts including Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Botad. Gujarat remains the only home of the Asiatic lion globally. The last census, conducted in June 2020, recorded 674 lions. During the exercise, volunteers log key details like time, movement direction, gender, age, unique marks, and GPS coordinates of each lion sighting. DeshGujarat

#Gir #Lions

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