India, Aug. 10 -- India is home to the world's last surviving population of wild Asiatic lions, found primarily in and around Gujarat's Gir landscape. Their numbers have increased significantly over the years, offering hope for one of the world's most endangered big cats. However, rising numbers do not necessarily mean the species is completely safe.

On World Lion Day 2026, the focus remains on whether India's lions have enough protection against disease, habitat pressure, human-animal conflict and other threats that could put the population at risk.

How Safe Are India's Asiatic Lions?

The Asiatic lion has made a notable conservation recovery in India, with its population steadily increasing in recent decades. Gujarat's Gir landscape r...