Project Lion: Proposal identifies 6 relocation sites apart from Kuno-Palpur

News: Wildlife Institute of India along with the Gujarat Forest Department has identified six new relocation sites apart from the Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary under Project Lion.

Facts:

• Project Lion: The programme has been launched by Government of India for conservation of the Asiatic Lion.It aims to focus on habitat development, engaging technologies in lion management, addressing the issues of disease in lions and will also be addressing the Human-Wildlife conflict.
• Why relocation of Lion? The motive behind finding a relocation site for the Asiatic Lion species is because the population in Gir has low genetic diversity making it vulnerable to threats from epidemics.
• What are the six new sites identified for relocation?
  • Madhav National Park, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan.
  • Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan.
  • Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan.
  • Jessore-Balaram Ambaji WLS and adjoining landscape,Gujarat.

Additional Facts:

• Aisatic Lion: They are confined to Gir National Park and its surrounding environments in Gujarat’s Saurashtra district.
  • IUCN Status: Endangered
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule-I
  • CITES: Appendix I