Lion King looks beyond Gir territory

The survey will identify pockets which are best suited for the lions and which can be developed by the Forest Department or which can be acquired for development.

These grasslands are located around 40-60 km away from the main sanctuary and though, this is not the first time that lions have been sighted here, maximum breeding seems to have taken place here after the last census in 2001. There has also been an increase in the numbers at Girnar where 17 lions were spotted; 12 were seen in coastal Junagadh.

According to Khanna, the figure of 39 from grasslands of Amreli and Bhavnagar, is more than double of what it was in 2001. It was in 1995 that for the first time lions were seen near Savarkundla.

Terming the moving as “quite natural as grasslands are most suitable for the lions”, Khanna stated, ‘‘Despite a sizable rise in their population here, we have not come across any complaints about conflicts between this carnivorous species and people living in surrounding villages. In fact, the villagers have welcomed the expansion move.”

After the survey, a meeting of senior wildlife officials and experts will be held to chalk out a development plan. “Apart from grasslands, the area also has scrub forests where plantation to suit their habitat will have to be done. Also, browsing of other species and developing water resources will be needed,” said Bharat Pathak, Conservator of Forests, Junagadh.