Union Government Approves Funding for Project Lion to Boost Conservation Efforts

Union Government Approves Funding for Project Lion to Boost Conservation Efforts

The Union Government has approved a funding of approximately ₹2,927.71 crore for Project Lion, which includes the establishment of a National Referral Centre for Wildlife (NRC-W) in Junagadh district, Gujarat.

About NRC-W
The National Referral Centre for Wildlife (NRC-W) will focus on monitoring wildlife diseases, particularly those transmissible to humans.

• Example: In 2020, an outbreak of Babesiosis, a disease affecting the red blood cells of lions, led to the death of 23 lions in Gujarat's Gir National Park.
  The NRC-W will emphasize four key principles: surveillance, response, prevention, and preparedness.
• Nodal Agency: Central Zoo Authority

Conservation Efforts

• Project Lion: Launched in 2020, the project aims to secure Asiatic lions through habitat improvements and advanced monitoring techniques such as radio-collars and cameras.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Vulnerable
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I and IV
  • CITES: Appendix I

Other Lion Conservation Initiatives:

• International Big Cats Alliance (2023)
• Greater Gir Concept: This initiative involves creating new lion habitats outside Gir National Park and Sanctuary. The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary has been developed as a "second home" for the lions.

About Lions
Lions typically live in prides in grasslands and plains.

• Males: Patrol and mark their territory with scent.
• Females and Sisters: Stay together for life, while males leave upon reaching maturity.
  Lions rest or sleep for up to 20 hours a day, hunting primarily at night for easier prey capture.

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