Ahmedabad, May 22 -- The estimated population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has increased to 891 from 674 five years ago as per the census conducted this month, officials said on Wednesday. Not only has the count gone up by 217, but the animals were found outside the Gir National Park, their traditional habitat, and spread across 11 districts of Saurashtra including non-forested and coastal areas, the officials said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed happiness at the rise in the population of lions in Gujarat, and said 'Project Lion' has helped create a conducive environment for the big cats and ensured their protection. He was reacting to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's social media post that the number of lions has risen to...