The growing population and limited habitat in Gir sanctuary have caused Asiatic lions to venture into human areas like Diu. Conservationists highlight
The disrupting ecological balance and changing habitat conditions have majorly impacted the natural living spaces of various wildlife species, leading them to venture beyond their original territories. Various factors such as habitat loss, climate change, and increasing human encroachment have disturbed the stability of ecosystems, and forced animals to look for new habitats and resources for survival.
This is particularly visible in the case of the Asiatic lions of Gir, whose growing population and limited habitat capacity has forced them to get out and explore regions outside the Gir sanctuary. The straying of these wild beasts tells us about the urgent need for some planned conservation strategies that address the root causes of habitat displacement and make sure about the long-term survival of wildlife species in their natural environments.
Two male lions, which had lost their way and entered Diu, were rescued by the Gujarat forest department on February 10 and returned to the wild. The incident is not a one-off, officials said, as an increase in the number of such cases has been noticed in recent months. The deputy conservator of forests, Gir (East division), Rajdeepsinh Zala, said, "Over the past six months, there have been at least ten cases of lions being rescued in Diu after complaints from local authorities", as reported by the Hindustan Times.
Recently, a video shot of a lion devouring a wild pig in Diu's Nava Bandar village was a pointer to the growing exodus of lions outside the Gir sanctuary. Diu, which is surrounded by Gir-Somnath and Amreli districts in the north and the Arabian Sea on three sides, is isolated from the mainland by a tidal creek. Even with a bridge linking Diu to a village in Gujarat, lions primarily swim over in order to reach the island. Zala said to the Hindustan Times, "Lions are good swimmers, and they cross through narrow stretches of water during low tide from areas like Kesariya, Tad, and Una to reach Diu."
From being on the verge of extinction, Asiatic lions in Gir have seen a dramatic return, and today their number has crossed 700. There are 674 lions in Gujarat as per the recent census carried out in 2020—a handsome 29% rise from 523 counted in 2015.
This increase in population is a direct effect of careful conservation efforts, including the restoration of habitats, anti-poaching activities, and initiatives for community participation. Out of the overall population of lions, about 300-325 lions live in the 1,412 square kilometers of the Gir sanctuary, which also includes the 258 sq km Gir National Park. This sanctuary has been an essential sanctuary for the lions, housing a safe area where they can flourish.
But the success of these conservation efforts has also created new problems. With the lion population still increasing, the restricted space in the Gir sanctuary has become an issue. The sanctuary has reached its carrying capacity, and the lions have started to move outside the protected area in search of new lands and resources. This range extension has involved lions spreading to various districts of Saurashtra, such as Girnar, Mitiyala, and Pania sanctuaries, and coastal tracts and the bordering areas of Amreli and Bhavnagar districts.
A second anonymous forest official, mentioned to Hindustan Times that Diu's environment made it an ideal habitat for lions and part of their natural expansion. However, the island is a popular tourist destination which also adds to the complexity of the situation. The inter-state character of the problem has been a cause for concern, with Diu authorities sending repeated pleas to the Gujarat forest department to take away lions whenever they are sighted.
Wildlife biologist and conservationist Ravi Chellam said to Hindustan Times, "This is very unfortunate. The lions are obviously not here on a beach holiday. They had sufficient ecological reasons for moving. By capturing these lions and taking them back, we are not dealing with the root cause. The Gir Protected Area has exceeded its carrying capacity to hold lions, and this means that the wider landscape has to host the growing lion population. Taking the lions into captivity or capturing and releasing them back away from the site of their capture is neither ecologically correct nor will it solve the problem."
With the increasing lion population, they have been expanding into other areas of Saurashtra, covering nearly the whole coastal belt. From Bhavnagar in the east to Gir Somnath district in the west and as far as Madhupur in Porbandar, these regal animals have made their presence felt in different densities. This spread indicates their resilience and the success of conservation efforts.
According to the HIndustan times, Lion researcher Dr. Jalpan Rupapara explained, "In the past, there were a few stray incidents where lions accidentally reached Diu but did not settle there. However, over the last year, there have been several instances where lions not only attempted to reach Diu but also tried to settle themselves there. Under the pretext of human safety, these lions were captured and relocated back to their habitats in Gujarat, it seems."
Dr. Rupapara emphasized that Diu has the potential to be a suitable lion habitat due to its vegetation, which supports daytime roosting and breeding, and has an adequate prey base. "However, the area is small, limiting its carrying capacity. Human safety doesn’t seem to be a major concern, as Asiatic lions have a history of over three decades of dispersing and thriving outside the Gir sanctuary. This demonstrates that lions and humans can coexist peacefully and successfully without any conflict," he said.
One of the main reasons is the loss of habitat through deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural development, which decreases the space for wildlife. When natural habitats are reduced, animals are compelled to approach human settlements in search of food, water, and shelter.
The growing human population and encroachment into wildlife habitats also worsen the situation. Changes in prey populations can also compel predators to venture into new areas. For instance, when their native prey is in short supply, lions may shift into human settlements or towns to look for domestic animals or other conveniently available prey.
It can also be possible tha successful conservation initiatives that cause animal populations to increase can cause overcrowding of habitats, which forces these animals to extend their territory and move into human-dominated environments.