The Indian state of Gujarat is set to open a new Asiatic lion sanctuary, as the population of the endangered species continues to soar in its last stronghold. The sanctuary, which will cover an area of 36,000 hectares, will provide a new home for the growing lion population, which has outgrown its current habitat in the Gir Forest National Park.

The Asiatic lion is a subspecies of lion that is found only in India, and it is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The population of the species has been steadily increasing in recent years, thanks to conservation efforts and strict protection measures.

According to the latest census, there are now over 680 Asiatic lions in the wild, up from just 523 in 2015. The new sanctuary is expected to provide a secure habitat for the growing population and help to prevent human-lion conflicts.

The sanctuary will be located in the Amreli and Bhavnagar districts of Gujarat, and it will be home to not just lions, but also other endangered species such as the Indian leopard and the Indian pangolin. The sanctuary will also provide new opportunities for eco-tourism, which is expected to boost the local economy and create new jobs for the local community.

The opening of the new sanctuary is a significant milestone in the conservation of the Asiatic lion, and it is a testament to the dedication and hard work of conservationists and wildlife authorities in India. It is hoped that the sanctuary will provide a safe haven for endangered species for generations to come.