Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

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Why in News?

The Central government of India has given in-principle approval to the project.
A report on “Lion@2047: A vision for Amrutkal”, prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) for the Gujarat government, has identified Barda as a potential site where a population of 40 adult and sub-adult lions can be accommodated in the larger landscape of Barda-Alech hills and coastal forests.

Key facts about Barda Wildlife Sanctuary:

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary area falls into two districts, Porbandar and Jamnagar in the state of Gujarat.
It is characteristically abundant in floral diversity, which consists of a good number of medicinal plants.
Flora: The area has the maximum floral diversity in the state (650 plant species), Gorad, Babul, Dhav, Rayan, Ber, Jamun, Amli, Dhudhlo, Bamboo
Fauna: Leopard, Hyena, Wild boar, wolf, Jackal, blue bull, Rare and endangered spotted eagle and crested hawk eagle etc.

What is Project Lion?

It envisages landscape ecology-based conservation of the Asiatic Lion in Gujarat by integrating conservation and eco-development.
The Project is being implemented in the Gir landscape in Gujarat which is the last home of the Asiatic lion.
Conservation status of Asiatic Lion
- IUCN: Endangered

Q1) What is Wildlife Sanctuary?

A Wildlife Sanctuary can be termed as a large geographical piece of land, usually forested, where animals are kept in their natural habitats. The primary purpose of designating areas as a Wildlife Sanctuary is to provide a shelter or refuge to the animals so that they can live and thrive in their natural homes

Source: Gujarat’s Barda was pitched as new home for lions, to be moved from Gir