On Wednesday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that the estimated population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has risen to 891, up from 674 five years ago. This figure marks a notable increase from the last census conducted in June 2020, which recorded 674 lions.

Patel informed reporters, stating, "The estimated number of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has now reached 891." According to an official release, the 16th Asiatic lion census was conducted over four days from May 10 to 13 in two phases. This extensive survey covered an area of 35,000 square kilometers across 11 districts in the state.

The initial counting took place on May 10 and 11, while the final tally was completed on May 12 and 13 with the assistance of over 3,000 volunteers. Regional, sub-divisional, and district officials, along with enumerators, assistant enumerators, and inspectors, participated in the census across a total of 58 talukas.

Asiatic lions are exclusively found in Gujarat's Gir National Park and its surrounding districts, including Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar, and Botad.