World Lion Day 2025 Observed on 10th August.

Important Days

World Lion Day is annually observed on 10th August to raise awareness about lions (Panthera leo), address conservation challenges, and promote efforts to protect their ecological and cultural significance. The 2025 observance marks the 13th edition of this global initiative.


      - World Lion Day was initiated by Big Cat Rescue (BCR), a Florida-based wildlife sanctuary dedicated to lion conservation, co-founded by Dereck and Beverly Joubert. The first observance was held in 2013, aiming to unite global efforts for lion protection and habitat preservation.

      - In 2009, Dereck and Beverly Joubert partnered with National Geographic to launch the Big Cat Initiative (BCI), a long-term conservation programme addressing threats to big cats, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. This collaboration significantly strengthened the visibility and impact of lion conservation efforts worldwide.

     

Main Point :-   (i) The Asiatic (Indian) lion population in 2025 reached 891, marking a 32.2% increase from 674 in 2020 and over 70% growth in the past decade. These gains reflect sustained conservation strategies, including habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and community involvement in lion protection in the Gir region of Gujarat, India.

      (ii) According to a LionAid report from July 2025, the African lion population stands at approximately 13,014 in eastern and southern Africa, and 342 in western and central Africa, totalling around 13,356 lions.

(iii) These numbers highlight both the resilience of certain populations and the urgent need to address regional threats such as shrinking habitats and illegal wildlife trade.

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