Asiatic Lions Return to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary After 144 Years

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region is home to 17 Asiatic lions as of October 2026, after the species returned following an absence of approximately 144 years. The sanctuary covers 192.31 sq km across Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts.

Asiatic Lion and Its Range

The Asiatic lion (“Panthera leo persica”) is a subspecies of lion whose surviving wild population is found in Gujarat, India. The Gir landscape is its principal natural habitat. Dispersal beyond Gir has contributed to the establishment of a lion population in Barda. Recolonisation of Barda began naturally in January 2023, when a male lion dispersed into the sanctuary. The Gujarat Forest Department later introduced five female lions. By October 2026, the population in Barda had reached 17 animals.

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary and Lion Monitoring

Barda is a protected area in Gujarat that includes forests and grasslands used by the lions. A study titled “Beyond Gir: Barda Wildlife Sanctuary as a Potential Stronghold for Asiatic Lions” was published in “PLOS One” on 9 September 2026. It examined Barda’s suitability as a long-term lion habitat. Researchers fitted radio collars to six lions—one male and five females—and recorded more than 169,000 GPS locations between January 2023 and July 2025. The tracking documented the lions’ use of the sanctuary, establishment of home ranges and social associations.

Prey Base and Conservation Measures

Barda is designated as Satellite Population 8 under Project Lion, the national conservation programme for Asiatic lions. In 2025–26, 441 chitals, also known as spotted deer, were translocated from Gir Wildlife Sanctuary to Barda. Hundreds of spotted deer and sambar had also been released through captive breeding since 2007.

Important Facts for Exams

• Barda Wildlife Sanctuary covers 192.31 sq km in Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts.
• Natural recolonisation of Barda by lions began with a male lion’s dispersal in January 2023.
• Researchers tracked six radio-collared lions using more than 169,000 GPS locations from January 2023 to July 2025.
• Barda is designated as Satellite Population 8 under Project Lion.

Ecotourism in Barda

Ecotourism initiatives began in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in 2024. The sanctuary received 2,271 visitors in its first year and 3,359 visitors in 2025–26, while the initiatives generated local livelihood opportunities.