India, Aug. 10 -- As India prepares to mark World Lion Day on August 10, 2026, focus naturally turns to Gujarat-the sole remaining stronghold of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). Lions day celebration began as a global awareness initiative in 2013 and has become a proud annual celebration across Saurashtra, where the species has staged one of the most remarkable recoveries in modern wildlife conservation. Gujarat's efforts deserve genuine recognition. The Gujarat model's strict protection, political will, especially the tolerance of the Maldhari community, restoration of the prey base, high-tech monitoring, the dedication of Gujarat's IFS officers and other Forest Department staff to their work, adequate funding, and political supp...