Asiatic lions population rising, new sanctuary proposed in Saurashtra

Written by Gopal Kateshiya
Rajkot | Updated: August 28, 2023 06:51 IST

A new wildlife sanctuary should be set up along the Shetrunji River in Amreli and Bhavnagar districts to increase the protected area for the growing population of Asiatic lions in the Saurashtra region and the limits of the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary be extended – these were key suggestions by two members of the Gujarat State Board for Wildlife (GSBWL) at a meeting this week.

At the 22nd meeting of the GSWBL held in Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday, one of the members suggested that there was a need to set up one more wildlife sanctuary for Asiatic lions, which have been dispersing in the east along the bank of Shetrunji River from the Gir (East) Wildlife Division in Amreli.

At the 22nd meeting of the GSWBL held in Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday

A new wildlife sanctuary should be set up along the Shetrunji River in Amreli and Bhavnagar districts to increase the protected area for the growing population of Asiatic lions in the Saurashtra region and the limits of the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary be extended – these were key suggestions by two members of the Gujarat State Board for Wildlife (GSBWL) at a meeting this week.

At the 22nd meeting of the GSWBL held in Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday, one of the members suggested that there was a need to set up one more wildlife sanctuary for Asiatic lions, which have been dispersing in the east along the bank of Shetrunji River from the Gir (East) Wildlife Division in Amreli

“The member told the meeting that the Shetrunji riverine patch has emerged as an important area for lions to settle down as the big cats disperse naturally from Gir Forest due to an increase in their population.
The member suggested the area should be studied and possibilities be explored of creating a wildlife sanctuary so that lions get better protection and support long-term conservation of the endangered species of big cats,” a source privy to the discussions at the GSWBL meeting told The Indian Express.

Courtesy: Indian Express.