Population status and distribution of endangered Asiatic lions in Gujarat, India.

Estimating the population size of wildlife is essential for effective conservation and management efforts. In this study, we used a management-oriented technique called minimal total count by direct beat verification to assess the population of Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica, hereafter referred to as "lions") across their distribution range commonly known as Asiatic Lion Landscape. From June 5^th to 6^th 2020, we estimated a total of 674 lions at 294 locations among 611 units surveyed. The Gir protected areas had the largest number of lions (344), followed by the satellite populations of Savarkundla-Liliya and adjoining areas (98), the southeastern coast (67), Girnar (56), Bhavnagar mainland (56), the southwestern coast (20), the Bhavnagar coast (17), and Mitiyala (16). Of the total individuals (n = 674), 62.46% were adults, 17.21% were sub-adults, and 20.33% were cubs. During the estimation, we counted 260 adult females, of which 23.08% were lactating. Compared to the previous estimate in 2015, the present estimation showed a percent change of 28.87% in five years, with an annual percent change of 5.77%. Lions were distributed across an area of approximately 30,000 km². The adult male-to-female ratio was 1:1.61, and the average group size was 2.29 ± 0.10 (Mean ± SE). The successful conservation initiatives spanning over six decades in the Gujarat state have contributed to the increase in the lion population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]