ABSTRACT 

Social organization of a species determines its group size, population structure, distribution, density and also the nature of resource-use.

A study was initiated in 2002 in Gir forest, Gujarat, to understand social organization and the factors that influence sociality in Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). Management interventions in recent years, have led to changes in vegetation structure and composition and wild ungulate population and these in turn have had direct implications on lion population and the lion's diet. Thus, management interventions, increasing lion population size and density and the limited size of the Gir forest are expected to influence lion sociality.  

Data on population structure was collected across two consecutive years on a seasonal basis for summer, monsoon and winter. Lion density in Central Gir (13 lions per 100 km²) was found to be lower than Gir West (19 lions per 100 km²). Owing to seasonal movements, and tall and dense undergrowth monsoon sightings were lower. More lions were in the prime-adult age class. Average group size was less than recorded in previous years. Male groups mostly consisted of a pair of adult males whereas female groups consisted of one or more adult females, sub-adults and dependent cubs. Adult male and female associations were rare and 65% of such sightings were of mating pairs. Incidence of cub mortality, particularly due to infanticide by adult males, was quite high. Other aspects of sociality such as resource sharing, home-range and territory-use will be addressed using radio-telemetry in the next phase of the study.

Project Title	:	Social organization and dispersal in Asiatic lions.
PIs & Co-PIs	:	Dr. Y.V. Jhala, Dr. Ravi Chellam & Sh. Bharat J. Pathak, CF(WL), Junagadh Circle, Gujarat
Researchers	:	V. Meena, TA
Funding Agency	:	WII Grant-in-aid
Date of Initiation  & Completion	:	08/03/2002 to 07/03/2007

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