World Lion Day 2025: Asiatic lion population reaches 891, celebrations held at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
World Lion Day was celebrated on 10 August 2025 at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat's Devbhumi Dwarka district, where Union Minister Bhupender Yadav said India's Asiatic lion population has grown to 891 from 674 in 2020.
Summary
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Gujarat Forest and Environment Department celebrated World Lion Day 2025 on 10 August at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Devbhumi Dwarka district, Gujarat. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav said the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) population has grown to 891 in 2025 from 674 in 2020 — a 32% increase — and from just 284 in 1990. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel noted new habitats, veterinary care and eco-tourism infrastructure worth ₹180 crore, and said lions have returned to the Barda region after 143 years; Project Lion was announced by the Prime Minister on 15 August 2020.
Key facts
- Date
- 10 Aug 2025 – World Lion Day
- Venue
- Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Devbhumi Dwarka, Gujarat
- Population
- 891 (2025); 674 (2020); 284 (1990)
- Growth
- 32% since 2020
- Species
- Asiatic lion – Panthera leo persica
- Project Lion
- Announced 15 Aug 2020
- Gujarat
- ₹180 crore habitat, veterinary and eco-tourism works; lions back in Barda after 143 years
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Where were the World Lion Day 2025 celebrations of the Environment Ministry and Gujarat government held?
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Correct answer: C — Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
World Lion Day 2025 was celebrated at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Devbhumi Dwarka district, Gujarat.
According to the Environment Minister on World Lion Day 2025, what is India's Asiatic lion population in 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 891
Bhupender Yadav said India's lion population has grown to 891 in 2025, up from 674 in 2020.
Consider the following statements about Asiatic lion conservation, as highlighted on World Lion Day 2025: 1. Project Lion was announced by the Prime Minister on 15 August 2020. 2. The lion population was 674 in 2020. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Project Lion was announced in the Independence Day address of 15 August 2020, and the population has risen from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025.
What is the scientific name of the Asiatic lion?
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Correct answer: A — Panthera leo persica
The Asiatic lion's scientific name is Panthera leo persica, as noted by the Environment Minister on World Lion Day 2025.