A separate lion conservation reserve has been proposed by forest authorities in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat after over 50 big cats were spotted in the area.
Dr Sandeep Kumar, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Sasan-Gir, said the proposal was submitted to the state government recently. He said that as many as 53 lions were spotted in the area, which prompted the move.
The main Lion sanctuary in the region is Gir National Park, but this area is isolated from it. "At present, lions are distributed over Gir National Park and Pania sanctuary and other six satellite lion populations which are connected to the core population with corridors," Kumar said over phone. Of the satellite lion populations, he said, Shetrunji river area in Bhavnagar is about 65 km away from the nearest boundary of Gir sanctuary, and not directly connected with the core population.
