Lion’s share: India’s big cats roar to record 891; 32% jump in five years

India’s Asiatic lion population has seen a remarkable increase, surging by 32.2% from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025. This growth, highlighted in the 16th Lion Population Estimation report, includes expansion into new satellite areas and corridor regions. The rise in adult females by nearly 27% significantly boosts the species’ reproductive capacity, marking a major success in conservation efforts.