Context:
6 Asiatic lions have migrated from Gir Forest to the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS).
Asiatic Lions:
- Also known as the Persian Lion or Indian Lion.
- They tend to be smaller in size compared to African lions.
- It differs from the African lion by a larger tail tuft and less inflated auditory bullae.
- 1 among the 5 big cats found in India – Better known as ‘the king of beasts’
- Most striking morphological character – A longitudinal fold of skin running along its belly [rarely seen in African lions]
- Behaviour –
- The male lion doesn’t seek a large group and prefers to be with its 2 or 3 female loins.
- Male Asiatic Lion spends up to 20 hours per day resting or sleeping
- Gir National Park – Only abode of the Asiatic lion
- Protection Status –
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I
- Initiatives –
- “Asiatic Lion Conservation Project” – Launched by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Project Lion – A conservation initiative aimed at protecting the Asiatic Lion in Gujarat, particularly in the Gir landscape.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Location – Gujarat (near Gir Forest National Park)
- Major Rivers – Bileshvary River and Joghri River
- Ethnic races found – Maldharis, Bharvads, Rabaris and Gadhvis
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2024 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 3 is not correct: Leopards are territorial and mark their territory with faeces, urine and cheek-rubbing on trees. They can also leave scrape markings on the ground, trees or logs. This communicates to other leopards passing through that the territory they are in is occupied.
