August 10 every year is celebrated as World Lion Day to raise awareness about lions and to mobilise support for their protection and conservation
World Lion Day is observed on August 10 every year and the initiative to protect the big cats started in 2013 and since then, it has become a symbol in the fight to protect the majestic species.
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), lions were once found throughout Africa, Asia and Europe but their numbers have decreased over the years in these continents due to various reasons.
Studies have shown that these majestic cats are threatened by extensive habitat loss, which has been caused due to the clearance of forests and poaching
The last remaining population of the Asiatic Lions can be found in Gujarat's Gir National Park.
"These lions face significant threats of poaching. The Asiatic lion also faces the threat of genetic inbreeding arising from a single population inhabiting one place," wrote The Hindustan Times.
It may be mentioned here that WWF has recorded instances of lions dying after falling into unguarded wells around Gir.
"The animal welfare body has so far barricaded 180 wells with local partners and Gujarat Forest Department," The Hindustan Times added.
It also credits the Gujarat government for providing subsidies to local farmers for barricading their wells in a bid to protect the lion population.
Though a lion is often referred to as the “king of the jungle,” it actually only lives in grasslands and plains.
Taking to his Twitter handle on Tuesday (August 10), Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "When I was serving as Gujarat CM, I had the opportunity to work towards ensuring safe and secure habitats for the Gir Lions. A number of initiatives were taken which involved local communities and global best practices to ensure habitats are safe and tourism also gets a boost."
When I was serving as Gujarat CM, I had the opportunity to work towards ensuring safe and secure habitats for the Gir Lions. A number of initiatives were taken which involved local communities and global best practices to ensure habitats are safe and tourism also gets a boost. pic.twitter.com/0VEGmh7Ygj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2021
"The lion is majestic and courageous. India is proud to be home to the Asiatic Lion. On World Lion Day, I convey my greetings to all those passionate about lion conservation. It would make you happy that the last few years have seen a steady increase in India’s lion population," the PM further added.
The lion is majestic and courageous. India is proud to be home to the Asiatic Lion. On World Lion Day, I convey my greetings to all those passionate about lion conservation. It would make you happy that the last few years have seen a steady increase in India’s lion population. pic.twitter.com/GaCEXnp7hG
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 10, 2021
It may be mentioned here that lions are currently listed as endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List.
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