CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The Gir forest in Gujarat - the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion - had around 400 lions in 2020, according to a state forest department estimate. The rest of the state has around 275 lions, of which 104 have spread themselves across 300km (186 miles) of Gujarat’s coastline.

Detailed explanation-2: -The official 2022 count is pegged to be 760 even as foresters say that the actual figure could be much higher with the lions regally annexing more territory by the year. The 2022 count which is yet to be formally declared reveals that the lion population has increased largely in the Greater Gir area.

Detailed explanation-3: -Asiatic lion The lion population increased from 411 individuals in 2010 to 674 in 2020, and all of them live in or around Gir National Park. In 1900 it was estimated that the population was as low as 100, and the Asiatic lion was declared a protected species. A census in 1936 recorded 289 animals.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Lion Census is done using the block counting method - in which census enumerators remain stationed at water points in a given block and estimate abundance of lions in that block, based on direct sighting of lions who need to drink water at least once in 24 hours during the summer.