World Wildlife Day 2025 | Population of Asiatic lions in Gir witnessing steady rise: PM Modi

Lions spotted during a safari by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, on the occasion of the World Wildlife Day (Pic: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday commended the steady rise in population of Asiatic lions at Gujarat's Gir wildlife sanctuary, highlighting the role of tribal communities in the surrounding areas in preserving their natural habitat.

On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, which is observed on March 3 every year, he undertook a lion safari at the Gir wildlife sanctuary, post which he shared the information.

In Photos: PM Modi goes on Lion Safari at Gir National Park on World Wildlife Day

1 month agoPHOTO GALLERY

"In the last many years, collective efforts have ensured that the population of Asiatic Lions is rising steadily," Prime Minister informed in a post on X.

He further stated, "Equally commendable is the role of tribal communities and women from surrounding areas in preserving the habitat of the Asiatic Lions."

The pictures shared from his social media handles showed PM Modi taking a closer view of the majestic Asiatic lions at the national park. He also took to X to share pictures of lions and lionesses that he clicked from his camera.

"Lions and lionesses in Gir! Tried my hand at some photography this morning," he wrote on X.

Further, he also informed that populations of tigers, leopards and rhinos have also risen in the past ten years.

Last year, a report titled "Status of Tigers: Co-predators and Prey in India-2022 also put the spotlight on India's growing tiger population and said that a significant growth of 6.1% was registered, bringing the estimated number of tigers to 3,682.

The report jointly released by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India said that India has become home to approximately 75 percent of world's tiger population.

(With inputs from IANS)