World Lion Day provides an opportunity to learn more about the importance of lions in the natural cycle...
Digital Desk: World Lion Day is commemorated every year on August 10th to raise awareness about these majestic and royal beasts and to garner support for their protection and conservation. World Lion Day provides an opportunity to learn more about the importance of lions in the natural cycle and why their extinction can serve as a warning sign for people.
World Lion Day: History
In the past century, the number of lions has decreased by almost 80% throughout the world. This day was established in 2013 with the goal of protecting and maintaining this species of the large cat as well as spreading awareness about its preservation. It was led by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, a couple who are passionate about conservation and wild cats.
They sought help from "National Geographic" after finding that lion populations have dropped across the globe.
The pair collaborated with them to establish the Big Cat Initiative (BCI) in 2009. The protection and preservation of the world's remaining lion species would be the BCI's major goal.
While studies have shown that lion populations may have been affected by deforestation, climate change, and human intervention, their extremely low numbers may also be attributable to ice ages and other natural environmental disasters that have forced them to become confined to just a few nations worldwide, namely India and South Africa.
To date, the BCI has received over 150 grant awards, reduced almost 3,000 dangers to 3,000 wild cats, and eliminated 13,000 life-threatening snares.
World Lion Day: Significance
On the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, the lion is now listed as vulnerable.
This day is marked to recognize the animal's value to the environment and ecology as well as the worldwide rapid fall in lion populations.
As the dominant predators in their ecosystem, lions help to maintain ecological balance by controlling the population of browsers and grazers.
Lions also keep their prey population healthy and strong by focusing on the weakest members of the herd, so indirectly aiding in disease management in the prey population. Additionally, their maintenance helps to manage biodiversity by preserving natural forest habitats and places.
Population Of Lions In India
The Asiatic Lion is one of India's five great cats, along with the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Clouded Leopard, and Snow Leopard.
Except for Africa, the world has seen a sharp decline in the number of wild lions. However, the large animals have inevitably made India their home. It's worth noting that lion populations in India have progressively increased, particularly in Gir Forest, which is home to the only wild lion population outside of Africa.
After a long period of decline, the population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat's Gir forest and the greater Saurashtra protected area has progressively increased. Between 2015 and 2020, their population climbed from 523 to 674.
The larger African lions are only distantly related to the Asiatic lions of India.
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