Gujarat's Coastal Lions Primarily Rely on Wild Prey, Not Livestock, Study Finds
A study published in the journal 'Conservation' challenges the long-held belief that Asiatic lions outside Gir Protected Area primarily survive on domestic animals. The research, based on 160 lion scat samples from Gujarat's coastal districts, found that wild prey accounted for 64% of the lions' diet and nearly 70% of the biomass consumed. Blue bull (nilgai) was the largest contributor to the lions' diet, followed by wild pigs, while cattle were the main domestic prey. This indicates that healthy populations of nilgai and wild pigs along Gujarat's coastline enable lions to sustain themselves on natural prey, reducing pressure on livestock.
Key Points
- A study in 'Conservation' journal indicates that coastal Asiatic lions in Gujarat primarily feed on wild prey.
- Wild prey constitutes 64% of the lions' diet and 70% of biomass consumed, challenging previous assumptions.
- Blue bull (nilgai) and wild pigs are the main wild prey species for these lions.
- The presence of healthy wild prey populations reduces the lions' dependence on livestock.
Exam Facts
- Journal: 'Conservation'
- Study location: Coastal districts of Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Porbandar (Gujarat)
- Scat samples analyzed: 160 (March-April 2024)
- Lead author: Mohan Ram, Conservator of Forests, Junagadh Circle
- Primary wild prey: Blue bull (nilgai) - 51% of biomass
- Asiatic lion population (2025 estimate): 891 in Gujarat
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