Daily Current Affairs : 30-November-2024
The Asiatic lion, scientifically known as Panthera leo persica, is a unique subspecies of lion. Once found across a vast region stretching from the Middle East to India, today, the Asiatic lion is confined to the Gir Forest in Gujarat, India. This restricted distribution is a result of various historical, cultural, and legal factors that have shaped the lion’s presence in this region.
Historic Habitat Shrinkage
Asiatic lions once roamed over a wide area, but their population dramatically shrank over time due to several factors:
- Hunting: In the past, Asiatic lions were hunted for sport and feared as man-eaters.
- Habitat Loss: Expansion of human settlements and deforestation reduced the lion’s natural habitat.
- Poaching: Illegal hunting further diminished their numbers.
Today, only about 674 Asiatic lions remain, and they are found only in the Gir Forest and surrounding areas in Gujarat.
Legal Protection
One of the key reasons for the survival of Asiatic lions in Gujarat is the legal protection they receive. The Gir National Park and nearby areas are designated protected zones where strict laws are enforced to safeguard the lions. These laws help prevent poaching, regulate tourism, and control human activities that might disrupt the lions’ habitat.
Cultural Acceptance
Another factor contributing to the lions’ survival is the cultural acceptance of these animals in Gujarat. The Maldhari herders, who live in the region, have a deep cultural connection to the lions. They view them as sacred animals and coexist peacefully with them. Moreover, the lions bring economic benefits through wildlife tourism, which has created incentives for locals to protect rather than harm the lions.
Abundant Prey Base
In addition to legal and cultural factors, the availability of food plays an essential role in sustaining the Asiatic lion population. The Gir Forest and its surrounding areas provide an abundant supply of prey, including deer, antelope, and even old livestock. Outside the protected areas, lions also scavenge on carrion, helping them survive.
Lack of Translocation
Despite the Supreme Court of India’s recommendation to relocate some lions to the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh to prevent inbreeding and ensure genetic diversity, this plan has not yet been implemented. Political and logistical challenges have hindered the successful translocation of lions to other areas.
Important Points:
- Asiatic Lions’ Restricted Range: Once found across the Middle East and India, Asiatic lions are now confined to Gujarat’s Gir Forest due to habitat loss, hunting, and poaching.
- Legal Protection: The lions are safeguarded by strict laws within Gir National Park and surrounding protected areas, helping prevent poaching and habitat destruction.
- Cultural Tolerance: Gujarat’s Maldhari herders coexist peacefully with lions, viewing them as sacred and benefiting from wildlife tourism.
- Abundant Food Supply: The lions feed on deer, antelope, and livestock, with carrion available outside protected areas, ensuring their survival.
- Challenges to Translocation: Plans to relocate some lions to Madhya Pradesh remain unimplemented due to political and logistical issues.
- Conservation Status: The Asiatic lion is classified as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List and is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act in India.
- Gujarat as a Model: The region’s success in balancing wildlife conservation with human interests offers a unique example of human-wildlife coexistence.
Why In News
Asiatic lions, with their entire population of 674 residing in Gujarat, exemplify a unique model of human-wildlife coexistence, where cultural reverence, economic benefits from tourism, and strong legal protections work together to ensure their survival and contribute to the region’s conservation success.
MCQs about The Survival of Asiatic Lions: Gujarat’s Unique Model of Coexistence
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Where is the entire population of Asiatic lions currently found?
A. Madhya Pradesh
B. Rajasthan
C. Gujarat
D. Uttar Pradesh
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What is one of the primary reasons for the survival of Asiatic lions in Gujarat?
A. Lack of predators
B. Legal protection through national parks
C. Frequent rainfall
D. Absence of human populations
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Why do the Maldhari herders in Gujarat coexist peacefully with Asiatic lions?
A. They are forced to protect the lions by law.
B. The lions provide food and shelter.
C. They view the lions as sacred animals and benefit from wildlife tourism.
D. The herders fear the lions and avoid them.
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What has hindered the relocation of some Asiatic lions to Madhya Pradesh?
A. Lack of food resources in Madhya Pradesh
B. Political and logistical challenges
C. Conflict with other wildlife species
D. Inability to train the lions for relocation
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