Number of lions in Gujarat goes up by 52 to 411

Gandhinagar, May 2 (PTI) A new census in Gir forests in
west Indian state Gujarat has revealed that the population of
the Asiatic lion in its only abode has risen by 52 to reach
the figure of 411.
Announcing the last month's lion census results, Gujarat
Chief Minister Narendra Modi said here on Sunday that the
number of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has gone upto 411 against
359 counted during the last census held in 2005.
The census was conducted by forest officials between
April 24 and 27 in the Gir forest which is spread over in
three districts of Junagadh, Amreli and Bhavnagar.
"According to the census, presently there are 411 lions
in Gir forests," Modi told reporters.
"Out of the 411 lions, there are 162 females and 97
males. There are 77 cubs which are less than one year old and
75 cubs aged between 1 and 3 years," he said.
Nearly 1600 forest officials were involved in the head
count of the endangered animal that takes place every five
years.
During the last five years, over 100 lions died, some due
to natural reasons including diseases and some in infighting.
Numerous new births of lion cubs were recorded, Forest
Department officials said. PTI