The latest lionesses’ census released shows that its population has almost doubled since1991 and it is a good news. The report says that lioness’s habitat has shown significant increase all over the country. The main reason for this is that the forest authorities are very strict about curbing poaching activities. We have a mixed bag as the lionesses numbers have increased from 200 odd to over 500 Gir female in 2015. The female does not mate for two years so as to keep the cubs with them for the maximum time as a safety measure. But still there has been a surge in their numbers due to proper care and upbringing. Save Lionesses campaign should start in full earnest and must get the much needed momentum or else we can see the number get reduced in the years to come.
Anandambal Subbu
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
