Economic factors, cultural reverence behind human-lion coexistence in Gujarat: Study

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Last Updated02/12/2024

Asiatic Lions – whose entire population numbering 674 is in Gujarat – co-exist with humans through mutual adaptation, enforced legal protection, economic drivers, and government compensation for livestock, among others, revealed new research released Thursday.

Gujarat is the only habitat of the Asiatic Lion, with a population of 674. The coexistence of these lions with humans is shaped by mutual adaptation, economic incentives, and cultural acceptance. While this model of shared space has proven successful, it remains fragile, requiring sustained conservation efforts.

Economic factors play a central role in fostering tolerance among locals. Regulated and unregulated wildlife tourism contribute to livelihoods, with some private landowners even engaging in illegal practices like baiting lions to attract tourists.
Additionally, government schemes offering compensation for livestock losses have helped mitigate resentment toward lions, though experts recommend revising these schemes to match market rates and introducing livestock insurance.
Cultural attitudes also support coexistence. Lions are often admired for their nobility and charisma, and many locals take pride in their presence. Legal protections against poaching and habitat encroachment further enhance the lions’ safety, allowing them to roam freely outside protected areas.

Despite the positive drivers, human-lion interactions pose risks. Over 91% of livestock attacks occur outside protected zones, with districts like Amreli, Junagadh, and Gir Somnath being most affected. While livestock predation dominates conflicts, attacks on humans, though rare, heighten tensions.
The limited range of lions also raises concerns about genetic diversity and vulnerability to disease. Although the Supreme Court has directed their translocation to Madhya Pradesh, this order remains unimplemented, leaving the lions confined to Gujarat.
Unregulated tourism is another challenge, as it disrupts lion behavior and risks exacerbating conflicts. Meanwhile, some pastoralist communities, most affected by livestock losses, exhibit higher intolerance, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.

The study recommends proactive measures to sustain coexistence. Radio collars with geofencing can track lion movements, issuing warnings to prevent conflicts. Livestock compensation schemes should be revised, and community-based conservation programs, such as eco-tourism, can link economic benefits directly to lion protection.
To address genetic risks, the long-pending translocation to Madhya Pradesh must be implemented to ensure a healthier lion population. Conservation policies must also address the sociocultural and economic needs of local communities to maintain their support.