World Lion Day is observed every year on 10 August to raise awareness about lion conservation. In 2026, India highlighted its successful conservation of the Asiatic lion.
- Founded: 2013 by conservationists Dereck and Beverly Joubert.
- Scientific Name: Panthera leo.
- India’s Asiatic Lion Population: 891 in 2025, up from 523 in 2015.
- Population Increase: About 70% over a decade.
- Habitat Expansion: From around 30,000 sq km (2020) to nearly 35,000 sq km (2025).
- Habitat: Asiatic lions are found in Gujarat, particularly the Gir landscape.
- Project Lion: Launched in 2020 for habitat improvement, disease surveillance and community participation.
- Major Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation, prey depletion, poaching and human-wildlife conflict.
- IUCN Status: Vulnerable.
