Crossover kings: 60 lions venture out of Gir, may pick conflict with humans

DP Bhattacharya Posted: Sep 30, 2008 at 0213 hrs IST

Ahmedabad, September 29 WII report shows that Asiatic lions are looking for new habitat along grasslands

With more than 60 lions roaming outside the Gir Sanctuary area, fears have been expressed on potential man-animal conflicts in the region.

A study by the state Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun has found that Asiatic lions from Gir are now looking for a new habitat along the grasslands of Palitana, Mahuva and Sabartundla adjoining the sanctuary.

It has also been observed that lions moving out of the sanctuary area cover approximately 800 sq km as opposed to the ones within the park, who restrict their movement within 100 sq. km. This came to light after tracking the movement of five lions, who have been radio collared by WII.

Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Crossover-kings--60-lions-venture-out-of-Gir--may-pick-conflict-with-humans/367565