HUMAN-LION
COEXISTENCE: ENVIRONMENT
NEWS:
Economic drivers for communities, co-benefits of abandoned cattle for lions
behind delicate human-lion co-existence in Gujarat, finds new study
WHAT’S
IN THE NEWS?
Human-Lion Coexistence in Gujarat: Economic incentives,
cultural practices, and legal protections enable coexistence, but population
growth and range expansion increase human-lion conflicts. Proactive
conflict-mitigation strategies and translocation debates highlight the need for
balanced conservation.
Asiatic Lions: Found only in Gujarat, they are smaller than
African lions, with a distinct belly fold, moderate mane growth, and unique
skull features.
Human-Lion
Coexistence and Asiatic Lions in Gujarat
Human-Lion
Coexistence: Key Drivers
- Economic incentives from
regulated and unregulated wildlife tourism foster local tolerance.
- Cultural practices, such as
abandoning old cattle, supplement lions' diet.
- Legal protections safeguard
lions and promote coexistence.
Impact
of Lion Population Growth
- Annual growth rate of 6%;
geographic range expanded by 36% (2015–2020).
- Lions inhabit areas beyond
protected zones, supported by human tolerance and abandoned livestock
availability.
Challenges
and Recommendations
- Revise livestock
compensation schemes to match market rates.
- Explore livestock
insurance programs for better economic support.
- Use radio-collared lions
with virtual geofences to monitor high-risk areas.
Conservation
and Translocation Debate
- Translocation to Madhya
Pradesh
proposed to ensure genetic diversity and prevent disease risks.
- Despite Supreme Court
orders, Gujarat opposes translocation, citing ecological and
administrative reasons.
Community
Perspectives
- Surveys across 277 villages: Economic benefits, cultural
pride foster tolerance.
- Pastoralists show highest
intolerance,
highlighting the need for tailored conflict-mitigation strategies.
Asiatic
Lions: Key Characteristics
- Found only in India’s Gir
National Park and surrounding Gujarat areas.
- Historically ranged across southwest
Asia and northern India.
- Smaller than African lions, males weigh 160-190 kg;
females 110-120 kg.
- Distinct belly fold seen in Asiatic lions,
rarely in African lions.
- Moderate mane growth; ears
visible.
-
Skull
differences: Asiatic lions have divided infraorbital foramina,
larger tail tufts, and less inflated auditory bullae.