All Things Policy India’s Big Cat Strategy: Balancing Conservation and Conflict Pt.2
Jul 18, 2025
In a compelling discussion, Anish Andheria, President of the Wildlife Conservation Trust, sheds light on India's complex big cat conservation landscape. He highlights the significant increase in the Asiatic lion population and the associated challenges of habitat saturation and human-wildlife conflict. The conversation also dives into the need for a collaborative approach to urban wildlife conservation, stressing the importance of integrating indigenous voices. Andheria advocates for an eco-centric development strategy that balances economic growth with ecosystem preservation.
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Gujarat's Growing Lion Population
- Gujarat's Asiatic lion population rose about 32% to 891 in 2025, but most lions live outside protected areas.
- Lions rely on both wild and domestic prey, requiring management of cattle depredation and human tolerance.
Lion Population Growth and Food Sources
- Increasing lion numbers mean enough food availability, including domestic cattle, with compensation programs reducing retaliation.
- Social structure abnormalities emerge when food is unlimited, causing population growth beyond natural ecosystem limits.
Stabilize Lion Population Proactively
- Gujarat must stabilize lion numbers using strategies like contraception and translocations to avoid human conflict escalation.
- Monitor disease risks and protect wildlife corridors to prevent sudden lion population declines.