A recent census conducted in the lion subspecies’ only remaining stronghold of the Gir forest in Gujarat, India, has found their numbers have risen by 27% over the past five years. Despite this, they remain an endangered species of just 523 individuals confined to just one region. The data was compiled using a number of methods including: direct sightings, GPS tracking and photographs- to avoid any duplication occurring. Around 2,500 people participated in the survey

Government officials in Gujarat are in the process of securing powers to relocate some of the population to a neighbouring wildlife sanctuary, in the event of an outbreak of disease for example. A virus causing Canine Distemper wiped out over 1000 lions in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park during 1994. The Asiatic lions are a major source of tourism revenue for the region and are consequently well protected, but with an expanding colony comes the increased risk of conflict with humans.

They almost became extinct in the 1900s, mainly due to hunting and drought, but following a hunting ban and several reintroduction projects, their numbers increased. It’s thought that 40% of the lions now live outside the forest boundaries, so a translocation is urgently required.