Gujarat has identified a potential 150-km lion movement corridor from Shetrunji-Hingolgadh to Rampara, opening up a new route for the state’s growing Asiatic lion population beyond its traditional Gir landscape.
The corridor has gained attention after an Asiatic lion travelled from Hingolgadh in Rajkot district to Rampara in Surendranagar district, showing that lions are capable of moving across a much wider landscape in search of prey and suitable habitat.
The proposed route could eventually become an important link for the natural movement and future expansion of Gujarat’s lion population.
From Shetrunji-Hingolgadh to Rampara
The proposed corridor stretches for around 150 km, connecting the Shetrunji-Hingolgadh landscape with Rampara.
Officials said that, unlike Gir, lions do not necessarily establish permanent territories immediately when they enter new areas. Instead, they can move through different landscapes while searching for food, water, shelter and suitable habitat.
The movement of lions towards Rampara has therefore brought greater attention to the connectivity of these areas and their potential role in supporting the species outside its traditional range.
Lion movement has been observed for years
The importance of the landscape became particularly clear in November 2019, when a lion was tracked travelling nearly 100 km outside its traditional Gir range.
The animal’s movement towards Rampara highlighted the possibility that lions could gradually explore and occupy new areas if suitable conditions exist.
Officials now believe such movement corridors could become increasingly important as the lion population grows.
Gujarat has identified 11 major lion corridors
The state has identified 11 major lion movement corridors that could help connect different habitats and support the wider distribution of Asiatic lions. These include:
Gir-Girnar
Gir-Veraval-Sutrapada
Gir-Kodinar
Gir-Rajula
Gir-Mahuva
Palitana-Mahuva
Palitana-Bhavnagar
Shetrunji-Hingolgadh
Hingolgadh-Rampara
Gir-Barda
Another connected movement landscape identified by the state
The Shetrunji-Hingolgadh and Hingolgadh-Rampara stretches are particularly significant because they could create a broader route for lions moving beyond the Gir region.
Potential route for future lion expansion
Officials believe the Shetrunji-Hingolgadh-Rampara landscape could become an important area for the future expansion of the Asiatic lion population.
A recent response in the Rajya Sabha stated that studies by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and Gujarat’s Forest Department had identified 11 major lion movement corridors in the state.
The studies indicate that as the lion population increases both in number and geographical distribution, such corridors could become increasingly important.
Nearly seven years after the 2019 lion movement, authorities are now paying closer attention to the Shetrunji-Hingolgadh-Rampara route and its potential to connect habitats outside Gir.
Lions are expanding into new landscapes
Gujarat’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Jaipal Singh, said the 2019 movement demonstrated the changing landscape of lion distribution.
Lions have also been sighted in areas of Jasdan and Rajkot, suggesting that the animals are gradually exploring new territories.
According to officials, this is why the area is being developed and monitored as a natural corridor rather than restricting lion movement.
Prey base and habitat also being monitored
The focus is not only on tracking lions. Authorities are also monitoring the availability of prey and habitat conditions along the proposed route.
A healthy prey base is essential if lions are to survive and establish themselves in new landscapes. Forest officials are therefore keeping watch on both wildlife movement and the ecological conditions along the corridor.
Officials have also indicated that no obstruction will be permitted along the natural corridor, allowing lions to move through the landscape safely.
A new chapter beyond Gir
The identification of the Shetrunji-Hingolgadh-Rampara corridor reflects a broader change in Gujarat’s approach to lion conservation.
For decades, the Gir landscape has been at the centre of Asiatic lion conservation. But with the population increasing and lions increasingly being spotted outside Gir, protecting natural movement routes and alternative habitats has become equally important.
If the 150-km corridor continues to support natural lion movement, it could eventually play a major role in determining how the Asiatic lion population expands across Gujarat in the years ahead.
Also Read: Gujarat’s Lions Set To Roam 50,000 Sq Km By 2047; Experts Seek A Second Home https://www.vibesofindia.com/gujarat-lions-50000-sq-km-by-2047-second-home-conservation/
