Beyond Gir: Barda wildlife sanctuary as a potential stronghold for Asiatic lions.

Abstract

The expansion of Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) (lions) beyond their core area and the recolonisation of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat) after 144 years-through natural dispersal of a male and augmentation of five females by the Gujarat Forest Department-make Barda's conservation and management crucial for the species' long-term survival. We assessed the space use, habitat preferences, social organisation, and diet of Asiatic lions in Barda using radio-collaring (n = 6; 1 male, 5 females) and scat analysis. The average lion home range (95% KDE) was 70.55 ± 7.48 km², while the average core area (50% KDE) was 10.92 ± 1.92 km². Spatial overlap among individuals was higher at the home range level (0.60 ± 0.08) than in core areas (0.34 ± 0.06), indicating spatial partitioning and emerging social structuring. Lions demonstrated hierarchical habitat selection, preferring mixed forests at the home range scale and grasslands within core areas. Dietary analysis showed a strong reliance of lions on wild prey, particularly wild pigs (Sus scrofa; 55% occurrence), supplemented by domestic cattle (17%). Ongoing prey augmentation efforts, including the reintroduction of spotted deer (Axis axis) and sambar (Rusa unicolor), aim to strengthen prey availability in the Barda. Our findings provide ecological insights suggesting that Barda offers potentially suitable habitat and resources for sustaining a long-term lion population, although these inferences are based on a limited sample size and short-term dietary assessment. Proactive management interventions focusing on habitat restoration, prey-base enhancement, and human-lion conflict mitigation will be essential to consolidate Barda as a secure and enduring conservation stronghold.