Gujarat&rsquo;s Barda Wildlife Sanctuary has evolved from a royal hunting ground of the Porbandar and Jamnagar princely states into a crucial biodiversity hotspot spanning the Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts. Established as a sanctuary in 1979, Barda now plays a vital role in the conservation of the Asiatic lion, aligning with both state and central government efforts to expand protected habitats for this endangered species.
According to the 2025 census, the sanctuary is home to 17 Asiatic lions, marking a significant milestone in the region&rsquo;s wildlife conservation story. Covering an area of 192.31 square kilometers, Barda supports over 260 species of mammals and migratory birds, including leopards, hyenas, jackals, sambar, nilgai, and chinkara. Its landscape is characterized by rocky hills, seasonal rivers such as Kilganga and Ghodadra, and sacred locations like Abhapara and Venu hills.
A major boost to the lion population began in 2023 when a male lion naturally migrated to Barda after years of habitat and prey restoration. To strengthen this pride, five adult lionesses were scientifically translocated by the Gujarat Forest Department, resulting in successful natural breeding. This makes Barda the first fully protected area to establish a satellite population under Project Lion.
The sanctuary boasts a rich ecological diversity with more than 650 plant species, many of which are medicinal or vital to the forest&rsquo;s food web. Conservation efforts include managing invasive plants like Prosopis and Lantana, creating grassland patches, and developing prey-breeding centers for chital and sambar deer.
Barda is also a model for human-wildlife coexistence, with over 1,200 Maldhari families residing within its bounds. Indigenous communities such as the Rabaris, Bharwads, and Gadhvis maintain their traditional pastoral lifestyles while actively engaging in eco-development initiatives. Efforts like voluntary relocation, veterinary camps, education programs, and livelihood support help integrate community welfare with conservation goals.
To increase public involvement, the Forest Department has introduced the regulated Barda Jungle Safari, complete with trained local guides and visitor amenities like resting shelters, water stations, and educational signboards. This initiative not only generates local employment but also raises awareness about wildlife conservation.
Barda&rsquo;s revival represents more than just the return of the lions&rsquo; roar it symbolizes Gujarat&rsquo;s progressive, science-based, and community-driven approach to conservation. With the state&rsquo;s Asiatic lion population growing from 327 in 2001 to 891 in 2025, Barda stands as a shining example of successful habitat restoration, species recovery, and harmonious coexistence with nature. [Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed]

Barda Sanctuary: Model for Asia Lion Conservation

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary shines as a successful habitat for Asiatic lion recovery

Barda Sanctuary: Model for Asia Lion Conservation

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary shines as a successful habitat for Asiatic lion recovery

August 9, 2025 | 24:10 IST