New Delhi, June 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to share the news of increase in the population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat on Wednesday, crediting community participation for it.

"Two very good news: Population of the majestic Asiatic Lion, living in Gujarat's Gir Forest, is up by almost 29 per cent," he said. Also Read | ED Brings Back Polished Diamonds, Jewellery Worth Rs 1350 Cr Belonging to Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi Firms from Hong Kong: Live Breaking News Headlines & Coronavirus Updates, June 10, 2020:.

Geographically, the distribution area of the animals was up by 36 per cent, Modi said. "Kudos to the people of Gujarat and all those whose efforts have led to this excellent feat," he wrote on the microblogging website. Also Read | Delhi LG Anil Baijal Directs Hospitals to Display Bed Availability on LED Boards Amid COVID-19 Crisis.

Over the last several years, the lion population in Gujarat has been steadily rising. This, Modi said, was powered by community participation with an emphasis on technology, wildlife healthcare, proper habitat management and steps to minimise human-lion conflict.

"Hope this positive trend continues," he said. Gujarat is the home state of the prime minister. Modi also shared a press release, which said the population of Asiatic lions has shown a steady increase with 674 animals and an increase rate of 28.87 per cent (one of the highest growth rates so far) from the previous growth rate of 27 per cent in 2015 (523 lions).

"The distribution of the lions has increased from an area of 22000 sq. km in 2015 to 30000 sq. km in 2020, thus increasing the distribution area by 36 per cent," the release said.

There has been a consistent increase in the population and distribution area of Asiatic lions, mainly owing to the effective conservation and management by the Gujarat Forest Department, it added.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)