Gandhinagar, July 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) A new scientific study has found that Asiatic lions living along Gujarat's coast depend primarily on wild prey rather than domestic livestock, challenging the long-held belief that the species expanded beyond the Gir forests in search of cattle.
The research, published in the peer-reviewed international journal 'Conservation', found that wild prey accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the biomass consumed by coastal Asiatic lions, highlighting the ecological viability of the species' expanding habitat outside the Gir Protected Area.
The findings come as state's Asiatic lion population has reached 891, according to the 16th Lion Population Estimation conducted in 2025.
The study, titled 'Dietary Pattern of Asiatic Lions in the Coastal Ecosystem of Saurashtra, Gujarat, India', was authored by Mohan Ram, Aradhana Sahu, Nityanand Srivastava, Kritagnya Vadar, Rohit Chaudhary and Lahar Jhala.
Researchers analysed 160 lion scat samples collected from the coastal districts of Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Porbandar during March and April 2024.
"Our study analysed 160 lion scat samples collected from the coastal districts of Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Porbandar during March and April 2024 and our study found that wild prey accounted for 64 per cent of the lions' diet, while domestic animals contributed 31 per cent. In terms of biomass consumed, wild prey contributed 70 per cent, compared to 30 per cent from livestock," said Mohan Ram, Conservator of Forests, Junagadh Circle, and one of the study's authors.
He said the blue bull (nilgai) emerged as the lions' principal prey species. "Among all prey species, the blue bull (nilgai) emerged as the lions' primary food source, contributing over half (51 per cent) of the total biomass consumed. Wild pigs were the second most important wild prey, while cattle represented the largest domestic prey component," Ram said.
The researchers said the findings contradicted their original hypothesis that lions inhabiting human-dominated coastal landscapes would rely more heavily on livestock because of limited availability of wild prey.
Instead, the study concluded that healthy populations of nilgai and wild pigs along Gujarat's coastline are allowing lions to sustain themselves largely on natural prey, potentially reducing pressure on livestock and helping mitigate human-lion conflict.
According to the study, Gujarat's coastal ecosystem now supports three important satellite populations of Asiatic lions along the south-western coast, south-eastern coast and Bhavnagar coast.
Together, these coastal habitats are estimated to support more than 100 Asiatic lions, reflecting the species' continued expansion beyond the Gir forests.
The researchers also found that coastal lions have a relatively specialised diet centred largely on nilgai and wild pigs, suggesting that prey abundance and habitat quality strongly influence their feeding behaviour.
While cattle and buffalo also form part of the lions' diet, the study noted that much of the cattle consumed is believed to be feral animals that are abundant in parts of Saurashtra because non-productive livestock are often abandoned.
Their availability and lack of anti-predator behaviour make them easier prey than protected livestock.
The study emphasised that conserving wild prey populations would be essential for ensuring the long-term survival of Asiatic lions outside protected forests.
Forests and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said the findings demonstrated that lions living outside the Gir forests were also benefiting agriculture.
"The research study indicates that the lion population outside the Gir forests is benefiting farmers by preying on blue bulls (nilgai) and wild pigs, both of which cause damage to crops. By naturally controlling their populations, lions are helping reduce crop losses," he said.
Referring to conservation initiatives, Modhwadia said, "On the 74th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Project Lion, a flagship initiative focused on the long-term conservation and protection of Asiatic lions. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat government has consistently made dedicated efforts towards wildlife conservation in the state."
Minister of State for Forests and Environment, Pravin Mali, said the study had wider implications for wildlife conservation.
"This study highlighted that Gujarat's successful conservation model, where lions have expanded into multi-use landscapes while continuing to rely primarily on natural prey, offers valuable lessons for large carnivore conservation programmes across the world," he said.
Source: IANS
Gopi Adusumilli is a Programmer. He is the editor of SocialNews.XYZ and President of AGK Fire Inc.
He enjoys designing websites, developing mobile applications and publishing news articles on current events from various authenticated news sources.
When it comes to writing he likes to write about current world politics and Indian Movies. His future plans include developing SocialNews.XYZ into a News website that has no bias or judgment towards any.
He can be reached at gopi@socialnews.xyz
This website uses cookies.
