Why in the News?

In 2025, India reported a 32.2% rise in its Asiatic lion population, from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025, as per the 16th Lion Population Estimation.

World Lion Day is observed annually on August 10 to promote awareness and action for the conservation of lions worldwide.

About Asiatic Lion:

Scientific Name: Panthera leo leo — subspecies found only in India.
Historical Range: Once across West Asia & Middle East; now extinct outside India.
Physical Trait: Slightly smaller than African lions; has a unique belly fold.
Current Range: Gir National Park & surrounding Saurashtra areas, Gujarat.
Past Range in India: Extended to West Bengal and central India (Rewa, Madhya Pradesh).
Conservation Status:
- IUCN –Vulnerable
- CITES – Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – Schedule I

Population: 891 lions (+32.2% from 2020).
Decadal Growth: +70.36% since 2015 (from 523 lions).
Adult Females: 330 (+26.9% from 2020).
Satellite Populations: 497 lions in 9 locations — new groups in Barda WLS, Jetpur, Babra-Jasdan.
Corridor Records: 22 lions sighted for the first time.
Regional Growth: Mitiyala WLS (+100%), Bhavnagar Mainland (+84%), South Eastern Coast (+40%).
Declines: Girnar WLS (-4%), Bhavnagar Coast (-12%).

[UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements:

1. Asiatic lion is naturally found In India only.

2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Options: (a) 1 only * (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3