Beyond Gir: Barda wildlife sanctuary as a potential stronghold for Asiatic lions

The expansion of Asiatic lions ( Panthera leo persica ) (lions) beyond their core area and the recolonisation of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat) after 144 years—through natural dispersal of a male and augmentation of five females by the Gujarat Forest Department—make Barda’s conservation and management crucial for the species’ long-term survival. We assessed the space use, habitat preferences, social organisation, and diet of Asiatic lions in Barda using radio-collaring (n = 6; 1 male, 5 females) and scat analysis. The average lion home range (95% KDE) was 70.55 ± 7.48 km², while the average core area (50% KDE) was 10.92 ± 1.92 km². Spatial overlap among individuals was higher at the home range level (0.60 ± 0.08) than in core areas (0.34 ± 0.06), indicating spatial partitioning and emerging social structuring. Lions demonstrated hierarchical habitat selection, preferring mixed forests at the home range scale and grasslands within core areas. Dietary analysis showed a strong reliance of lions on wild prey, particularly wild pigs ( Sus scrofa ; 55% occurrence), supplemented by domestic cattle (17%). Ongoing prey augmentation efforts, including the reintroduction of spotted deer ( Axis axis ) and sambar ( Rusa unicolor ), aim to strengthen prey availability in the Barda. Our findings provide ecological insights suggesting that Barda offers potentially suitable habitat and resources for sustaining a long-term lion population, although these inferences are based on a limited sample size and short-term dietary assessment. Proactive management interventions focusing on habitat restoration, prey-base enhancement, and human–lion conflict mitigation will be essential to consolidate Barda as a secure and enduring conservation stronghold.