Wildlife in India is flourishing! The Asiatic Lion population in India has seen a significant increase, from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025, marking a 32% rise in five years! Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav applauded the conservation efforts and called the news a “phenomenal success”.
India’s Asiatic Lions See 32% Rise In Population
According to the 16th Lion Population Estimation Report, India’s Asiatic Lion population has shown a remarkable increase. It rose from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025 (an increase of 32.2%) in just five years. As per a report by The Times of India, the number of adult females has grown from 260 to 330, a 26.9% increase, boosting the species’ ability to reproduce.
The 2025 count also includes new satellite populations in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Jetpur and adjoining areas, as well as Bhadra-Jasdan and nearby areas. This has taken the total number of Asiatic Lions to 497 across nine locations. For the first time, 22 lions have also been recorded in corridor areas!
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Minister Calls It A ‘Phenomenal Success’
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav took to X to share the news, calling it a phenomenal success. He wrote, “India draws immense pride from being home to the Asiatic Lion. Over the last few years, our lion population has grown steadily. From 523 lions in 2015 to 891 lions in 2025, we have registered a phenomenal success.” To mark World Lion Day on August 10, he urged everyone to protect the lions and help them thrive in India.
According to TOI, over the last decade, the lion population has grown by more than 70%, while their range has expanded by nearly 60% in India. Amreli district in Gujarat currently has the highest numbers with 82 adult males, 117 adult females and 79 cubs. Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining areas have shown the fastest growth at 100%, followed by Bhavnagar mainland at 84% and the south-eastern coast at 40%.
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This is indeed great news! Conservation efforts to protect the big cats and increase their numbers in India have shown strong and promising results.
Cover Image Courtesy: @byadavbjp/ X
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