Porbandar: ‘Barda Wildlife Sanctuary’, locally known as ‘Bardo’, is one of the most significant biodiversity zones in Gujarat, spread across Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts. Declared a sanctuary in 1979, Barda was once the hunting ground of the Porbandar and Jamnagar royal families. Today, it has evolved into a key habitat under a comprehensive approach to Asiatic lion conservation.

Every year on August 10, Gujarat joins the world in celebrating ‘World Lion Day’. With extensive and result-oriented measures taken for the conservation and proliferation of Asiatic lions, the lion population in Gujarat, which stood at 327 in 2001, rose to 359 in 2005, 411 in 2010, 523 in 2015, 674 in 2020, and has now reached 891 in 2025.

Barda Sanctuary spans approximately 192.31 sq km, featuring rocky hills, seasonal rivers, uplands, deciduous forests, bamboo groves, and historical and religious sites. Rivers like Kilganga and Ghodadra, along with hills such as Abhapara and Venu, define its geography.

The sanctuary is home to over 650 species of plants, including medicinal herbs, fodder grasses, and timber trees. Its wildlife includes regular sightings of chital, sambar, nilgai, wild boar, jackals, hyenas, and leopards. More than 260 species of birds, including vultures, eagles, and migratory waterbirds, inhabit the area, creating a balanced habitat for both herbivores and carnivores.

Lion Reintroduction – Natural Habitat and Planned Reintroduction

Asiatic lions disappeared from Barda after 1879; however, in recent years, complex, science-based interventions have been implemented to improve habitat quality and prey availability. In 2023, an adult male lion naturally entered and settled in Barda.

To develop a self-sustaining pride, the Gujarat Forest Department, under expert guidance, relocated five adult lionesses to Barda after thorough health checks and behavioural assessments. This well-planned species reinforcement programme led to natural births, forming a small pride. The latest 2025 census recorded 17 lions in Barda. Based on this, Barda has been declared Satellite Population – 8 under Project Lion, making it the first fully protected satellite lion habitat in the state.

Maldhari Community – A Model of Coexistence

Inside the sanctuary, around 1,200 Maldhari families live in approximately 68 settlements, practising traditional livestock rearing in harmony with the environment. Communities like Rabaris, Bharwads, and Gadhvis form part of the social fabric here. Through voluntary relocation and eco-development committees, the Forest Department has implemented initiatives in education, healthcare, livelihoods, veterinary care, and awareness for inclusive local development.

Scientific Conservation Measures

• Augmenting Prey Base: Conservation breeding centres for chital and sambar, followed by systematic release into the wild.

• Invasive Species Control: Removing harmful plants like Prosopis, Lantana, and Cassia tora to restore native grasslands.

• Wildlife Health Management: Mobile veterinary units, isolation enclosures, rescue teams, and regular health camps.

• Protection Measures: GPS tracking, camera traps, drone surveillance, and night patrolling for effective wildlife monitoring.

Eco-Tourism and Public Awareness

Through the Barda Jungle Safari, trained local guides offer visitors a sensitive and regulated exploration of the sanctuary. Facilities like parking, rest houses, drinking water, and information boards have been developed. This model not only generates local employment but also encourages public participation in conservation.

Barda stands as a thriving and resilient alternative habitat for the Asiatic lion. With its blend of natural environment, science-backed species reinforcement, habitat restoration, and community participation, it represents a model for species recovery. The roars echoing from Barda are not just the voice of lions—they are living proof of Gujarat’s successful and sensitive lion conservation vision. DeshGujarat