Prospects for conservation of the Asiatic lion in India

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概要

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• The only remaining population of Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica), numbering about 300 individuals, is now confined to 1, 883km^2 of the Gir forest in the state of Gujarat, western India. Numerous problems such as temples, biotic pressures exerted by the maldharis, a pastoral tribe, and the villages on the periphery, and quarrying for limestone continue to throttle the prospects for long-term survival of the Gir forest and its lions. Long-term conservation of lions can be ensured by intensively managing Gir as a better habitat for ungulates and lions, and by establishing a second free-ranging population in the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary in Central India, already identified as a possible reintroduction site. The quality of wild ungulate habitat in Gir can be improved by thinning of teak (Tectona grandis) forests, a tree species not palatable to ungulates, allowing local people to harvest mature grass as an ecodevelopment measure, and by shifting maldhari nesses to create blocks of disturbance-free habitats. The forest patches around Gir should be managed as effectively as possible in accordance with the Greater Gir Ecosystem Concept, to suit the requirements of the lion. However, whenever conflicts with people occur, the animals involved should be removed immediately. Efforts should be made to strengthen the Gir Welfare Fund, which is used for the benefit of the staff, by promoting and receiving revenue from ecotourism and accepting donations from foreign zoos by gifting the problem lions which are captured outside Gir. The conservation community needs to be united in its views to save the lion, and a second home for the lion should be established as planned. Public support for protecting Gir and its lions can be harnessed by enlightening people about the economic contribution of Gir to the region's economy, the ecological and cultural suitability of the lion for promoting a sustainable tourist trade, and the spiritual benefits provided by this charismatic predator.

• 野生生物保護学会の論文

著者

• Chellam Ravi

  Wildlife Institute Of India

• Asir Jawahar

  Wildlife Institute of India

• Sharma Diwakar

  Wildlife Institute of India

関連論文

• Prospects for conservation of the Asiatic lion in India

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