Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Study Finds Gujarat’s Barda Sanctuary Can Support Asiatic Lions
A new study says Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat may be a good home for Asiatic lions for many years.
The sanctuary now has 17 lions.
Lions returned to the area naturally after being absent for nearly 144 years, and five females were later brought in.
Researchers used tracking collars on six lions to learn where they went and how they used the habitat.
They found the lions were using Barda’s forests and grasslands and forming home ranges and social groups.
Officials are improving the habitat and bringing in spotted deer so the lions have more natural prey.
They are also monitoring the lions and responding to possible conflicts with people.
Ecotourism has created local work, and the number of visitors has increased.
A study in PLOS One says Barda Wildlife Sanctuary could sustain Asiatic lions over the long term.
The sanctuary is now home to 17 lions, returning naturally after an absence of nearly 144 years, followed by the introduction of five females.
Researchers tracked six lions using radio collars and collected more than 169,000 GPS locations from January 2023 to July 2025.
The Gujarat Forest Department has translocated 441 chital from Gir during 2025-26 to strengthen Barda’s prey base.
Habitat restoration, monitoring and ecotourism are underway; visitor numbers rose from 2,271 in 2024 to 3,359 in 2025-26.
- Who
- Asiatic lions in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, studied by researchers associated with the Gujarat Forest Department and Banda University of Agriculture and Technology.
- What
- A study assessed Barda as a potential long-term habitat for Asiatic lions and found suitable habitat, prey resources and ecological conditions.
- When
- The study collected GPS data from January 2023 to July 2025; the report was published in PLOS One.
- Where
- Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region, principally in Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts.
- Why
- Researchers assessed whether Barda could support lions beyond Gir and help sustain the species over the long term.
Conservation opportunity
Ongoing needs and challenges
Barda’s role in lion conservation
Conservation opportunity
The study finds Barda has suitable habitat, prey and ecological conditions to sustain lions long term, and officials describe satellite habitats as important for the species’ survival.
Ongoing needs and challenges
The article does not report a direct opposing view on Barda’s suitability; it notes that continued habitat work, prey enhancement, monitoring and connectivity are part of conservation efforts.
- Sanctuary area
- 192.31 sq. km
- Lion population reported
- 17
- Study tracking sample
- Six lions: one male and five females
- GPS data
- More than 169,000 locations, January 2023 to July 2025
- Chital translocated
- 441 from Gir Wildlife Sanctuary during 2025-26
- Habitat improvement
- About 3,200 hectares covered this year
- Ecotourism visitors
- 2,271 in its first year; 3,359 in 2025-26