Lion Conservation - War of Words

Asiatic Lion

Asian Lions were once found all over Asia but were hunted to extinction and driven away from their natural habitat. The big cat now survives only at Gir National Park in the State of Gujarat. In India, the species was spread over a larger area perhaps in neighborhoods of tiger habitats as well. Since the habitat preference of the two differs vastly a species conflict is at best a matter of conjecture.  

Threat

Despite excellent conservation measures and an increase in numbers, the threat still looms large. Gir is subject to severe man-animal conflict and intrusion by Maldharis. The ever-increasing agriculture, pastoral practices, and industrialization mean the end of the affected ecosystem. This malady is everywhere especially in India with dense population pockets. 

The greatest threat to the lion in India is from epidemics like FPL (Feline Pan Leukopenia). The isolated animal population suffers from many disadvantages, and inbreeding is one looming danger. Targeted poaching is another. Disease prevalence is a serious issue caused by decreasing immunity thanks to stale gene syndrome.    

Relocation of  Lions in India  

Kuno Palpur was established as a possible lion reserve in India keeping the above factors in mind. The basis of the project is scientific and not political, albeit secondary tourism benefits may arise. But tourism benefit is inconsequential whence the matter of lion conservation arises.   

Unfortunately, the project lies unfulfilled due to political wrangling affected by myopic parochialism. In India, nothing can work without the consent of the present rulers. The species needs a new homeland, it does not understand parochial loyalties and political gamesmanship. 

Kuno Palpur was its former range. The animal has been lastly recorded in Sagar District of Madhya Pradesh. Hence this project is more of a rehabilitation program and not a transfer of an exotic species. The threat of poaching is omnipresent in the whole of India. 

Keeping the interest of the endangered species in mind the project should be implemented as soon as possible.  The pride should turn into the pride of lions without hesitation.

Read Lion Conservation

Who's Pride is it? Anyway

The delay and hesitation in offering a lion pride for Kuno Palpur in MP is indeed saddening. The endangered Asiatic Lion of Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only stock left in the wild. It is imperative that the lions find a second home in order to escape inbreeding and epidemic. This will perhaps reduce man animal conflict  in place where species habitat is limited. Gir has been an excellent example of conservation but it is isolated with human population and live stock in the periphery.

The Lions are Gujarat's pride as well as National pride. Trans locating  few animals to new home will increase the pride of the State further and not diminish. A magnanimous approach is the order of the day. Gujarat administration has shown admirable flair for economic development. Thanks to positive and far reaching steps.  The people of Gujarat are very compassionate towards other life forms.  I am sure that rationality will prevail. 

We as humans have always had a chauvinistic attitude towards nature. The good of the species out weighs our parochial attitude, as it's right to live. We do not own the Earth, we share it with other life forms and it is important that we leave space for them.       

Gujarat state will certainly benefit from tigers trans located to its wild habitat. Since tigers once habituated the state's wilderness, The tiger will find a new sanctuary as they are severely endangered. The lion has right to live and that to with dignity. If we take positive steps in the species survival we will be making an effort to strengthen its existence - a wonderful creation of Almighty.