Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Asiatic Lion Population Rises to Record 891, Pawan Kalyan Says
World Lion Day happens every year on August 10 to help people learn about lions and why we need to protect them.
Lions used to live in many parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe, but now they live in a much smaller area.
The Asiatic lion is a special kind of lion that lives mostly in India, mainly in Gir National Park.
Long ago, there were only about 20 Asiatic lions left in India.
Now, a new count from 2025 shows there are 891 of them, which is great news.
The number of lions went up from 411 in 2010 to 891 in 2025.
A leader named Pawan Kalyan said the lion's roar is the roar of India's wild heritage.
He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav for helping protect the lions.
The Indian government started a program called Project Lion in 2020 and is also creating new homes for lions, like Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
Lions are important because they help keep nature balanced by controlling the number of plant-eating animals.
World Lion Day is observed annually on August 10 to raise awareness about the conservation of African and Asiatic lions.
The Asiatic lion population in India rose from 411 in 2010 to 891 in 2025, according to the 2025 census.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan called the roar of the Asiatic lion the roar of Bharat's wild heritage.
Pawan Kalyan praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav for Asiatic lion conservation efforts.
Government initiatives include Project Lion, launched in 2020, and development of alternative habitats such as Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav
- What
- Observance of World Lion Day and recognition of the growing Asiatic lion population, which reached 891 in 2025
- When
- World Lion Day, observed annually on August 10; population figures from the 2025 census
- Where
- India, with Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary as the main stronghold of the Asiatic lion; statement issued from Amaravati by Pawan Kalyan
- Why
- To raise awareness about lion conservation and highlight the sustained efforts of governments, forest departments, conservationists, and local communities
- 2025 Asiatic lion census count
- 891
- 2010 Asiatic lion count
- 411
- Early 20th century Asiatic lion count
- Around 20
- Main stronghold
- Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, India
- Key national initiative
- Project Lion, launched in 2020
- Alternative habitat
- Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
- Occasion
- World Lion Day, observed annually on August 10