Barda Wildlife Sanctuary: Location, Rivers, Dams, Flora, Fauna & UPSC Notes

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Gujarat, India, spans approximately 192.31 sq km and lies about 15 km from Porbandar, situated near the Arabian Sea. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1979, the area was formerly a private reserve under the princely states of Porbandar and Jamnagar.

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Barda Wildlife Sanctuary and Asiatic lion conservation are essential for UPSC Prelims (Environment & Ecology) and GS Paper-III (Environment, Biodiversity, Conservation) under Environment and Ecology. It links to Protected Areas, Species Conservation, and Government Initiatives. Join the UPSC coaching today and boost your preparation.

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Barda Wildlife Sanctuary: Prime Details of The Latest News

• On World Lion Day (August 10, 2025), the Gujarat government launched the 180 crore value of its conservation and ecotourism projects at Barda, such as a safari park, interpretation centre, herbivore breeding grounds, and eco-development activities.
• Barda had seen a significant conservation milestone: from a lone male lion in 2023, the population has grown to 17 lions—6 adults and 11 cubs—making it a confirmed "second home" for Asiatic lions in Gujarat.
• Ecological restoration efforts across 1,000 hectares include clearing invasive species and re-establishing native grasslands, reinforcing the prey base essential for sustaining the growing lion population.
• Recent census reports show 497 lions in satellite populations outside Gir—which now exceed the core Gir population—underscoring the importance of sites like Barda for long-term conservation.

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Overview of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Porbandar in Gujarat, spans about 192 sq. km and is known for its diverse flora, fauna, and hilly terrain. It is emerging as a second home for Asiatic lions beyond Gir.

• Location: It is located in the state of Gujarat.
• Rivers: There are two waterways, the Bileshvary River and the Joghri River, and two dams, Khambala and Fodara.
• Tribes: Ethnic races such as Maldharis, Bharvads, Rabaris, and Gadhvis live in this region.
• To develop Barda as the second home for the Asiatic lion, the state government implemented the 'Gir-Barda Project' in 1979.
• The sanctuary is a significant biodiversity hotspot and a key area for the conservation of Asiatic Lions.
• Flora is characteristically abundant in floral diversity and consists of many medicinal plants.
• The sanctuary boasts about 650 plant species, which comprise Rayan, Babul, Ber, Jamun, Amli, Gorad, Bamboo, Dhav, Dhudhlo, etc.
• Fauna: Leopard, Hyena, Wild boar, wolf, Jackal, blue bull, rare and endangered spotted eagle, crested hawk eagle, etc.

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Key Facts about the Asiatic Lion

The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica), found only in Gujarat, is smaller than its African counterpart and has a distinct fold of skin along its belly. Once critically endangered, its population has now risen to nearly 900 lions, thanks to intense conservation efforts.

• Conservation Success: Due to the state's Project Lion initiative, Gujarat's lion population has swelled from 327 (2001) to 891 in 2025.
• Second Home Strategy: Establishing satellite habitats like Barda reduces ecological risk concentration in Gir and aids genetic dispersion.
• Barda's Role: The first natural lion migrated there in 2023; complemented by five translocated lionesses, this led to the birth of 11 cubs by 2025—demonstrating habitat viability.
• Challenges & Opportunities: Conservationists are cautious about limited sanctuary size, proximity to Gir, and potential human–la conflict. However, efforts include enhancing prey base and carefully managing habitat development.

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The Need for Asiatic Lion Relocation

• Carnivorous species like the Asiatic lions that are restricted to a single site, such as Gir, face the risk of extinction due to environmental and genetic factors.
• Experts have advocated the relocation of lions in India for the past two decades, given their geographic isolation in Gir.
• A secondary habitat would safeguard the lion population from potential extinction due to disease outbreaks like the Canine Distemper Virus, which has previously caused numerous lion fatalities.
• Limiting the lions to a specific area could lead to a sudden decrease in prey.
• Natural calamities could also lead to their extinction if they are confined to a single location.
• The Supreme Court of India ordered the relocation of some lions to Madhya Pradesh in 2013. However, the process is yet to be completed, even after 10 years.

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A Glimpse into the Life of Asiatic Lions

• The Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than their African counterparts. They are distinguished by a longitudinal fold of skin running along their belly.
• Currently, Asiatic lions are found in 9 districts of Gujarat, under the Saurashtra region, including Jamnagar, Junagadh, Porbandar, Gir-Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Botad, Rajkot, and Surendranagar. They inhabit an area of 30,000 sq. km.
• The lions are threatened by poaching and habitat fragmentation—three major roads and a railway track pass through the Gir Protected Area (PA). Additionally, three prominent temples inside the PA attract many pilgrims, especially during specific times of the year.
• Many lions have met tragic ends by falling into unguarded wells around the Gir.

Challenges Associated with the Relocation:

• A 2014 report stated that Barda Wildlife Sanctuary can accommodate only 26 lions and a maximum of 35 lions. This could be due to factors such as a low prey base and the small size of the sanctuary.
• Given the proximity of Barda and Gir, a lion population in Barda may not be immune to disease outbreaks that could occur in Gir.

Steps Taken for Lion Rehabilitation:

• The Gujarat forest department has identified locations such as Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary and Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden to diversify the gene pool. More sites will be added for the rehabilitation of the lions.
• The Sakkarbaug Zoo will be further developed for breeding programmes.
• Ex-situ conservation efforts of lions will be further promoted.

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Conclusion

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary has been converted into a well-known conservation area in Gujarat. Its rich ecology and cultural traditions have also made it the centre of life-saving plans to ensure the Asiatic lion's future beyond the Gir sanctuary. As it develops ecologically, culturally and economically, Barda provides hopeful precedence in a model of wildlife and eco-tourism and community participation.

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