Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
Marking World Lion Day 2026, Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani released ‘Gir Ki Amulya Dharohar’, a documentary highlighting the conservation journey of the Asiatic lion in Gir and the collective efforts behind its remarkable recovery.
The documentary showcases the role of local Maldhari communities, forest officials, frontline staff and trackers in protecting the lions and their habitat. It also focuses on lionesses, whose role in raising cubs and sustaining future generations remains crucial to the species’ recovery.
According to the documentary, the Asiatic lion population has increased by more than 70% over the past decade, reaching 891 in 2025, including 330 adult lionesses. The species’ range has expanded to nearly 35,000 square kilometres across 58 talukas in 11 districts of Saurashtra.
Barda is also emerging as a second habitat for the Asiatic lion, reflecting the animal’s ability to adapt to new landscapes.
Nathwani, who has visited Gir for over 35 years, said the next phase of conservation must focus on safeguarding expanding lion habitats and ensuring peaceful coexistence between wildlife and communities.
He stressed that respecting the animals’ space and preventing unnecessary human disturbance would be essential to sustaining conservation gains for future generations.
