The Asiatic lion which once existed in the northern and central areas of the Indian sub-continent is now confined to the Gir forest of Gujarat.
This last remaining habitat of the species, sustaining about 200 of them, was under severe threat due to over-grazing by domestic livestock, depletion of prey species, etc.
The Asiatic lion was in danger of being wiped out either due to starvation, epidemics or human interference.
In 1972 the state government prepared a scheme for the management of the Gir lion sanctuary with proper guidelines for conservation. The Centre provided assistance for the protection and improvement of the habitat.