Indian state opens new Asiatic lion sanctuary in preventative measure
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The state of Gujarat, India, agrees to transfer 40 lions to a new sanctuary in an effort to avoid a disease wipe-out of Asiatic lions.
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An Asiatic lion sits at Gir Interpretation Zone - Devalia near Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Sasan Gir in Gujarat, India. (AP)
A new lion sanctuary is set to be opened in the Indian state of Gujarat after an increase in the number due to successful conservation efforts.
The world's only Asiatic lions population can be found in Gir's national park. The park is also the only place, outside Africa, where these lions can be seen in their natural habitat.
As the state became overcrowded with lions, to the extent that they would wander into villages and coastal regions, conservationists pleaded with the Gujarat government to transport a number of them into various other parts of India. The idea was to allow the population in Gir some room, which would prevent possible tragedies.
The overcrowding of a species in one place, according to conservationists, could risk endangering the entire species, as it makes animals vulnerable to infectious disease.
However, the state authorities refused, in 2013, a supreme court ruling that ordered them to transfer some lions to the neighboring state of Madhya Pradesh. The authorities' refusal showed that the state's possessiveness of the species superseded the lions' best interests.
Recently, Gujarat announced that 40 lions will be transferred to another sanctuary, but within the same state. The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is currently being prepared to welcome its new residents.
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