Identification of individual lions is based on their vibrissae patterns and permanent body marks. This information generated over a long period of time, becomes too cumbersome to analyze manually. We developed data base software for data storage, search, retrieval, comparison, and analysis of individual lion identification and capture histories. This software will enable effective handling of exhaustive long-term data on individual lions incorporating ambiguity in identification. Based on vibrissae patterns, 27 individual lions were identified in 39 successful attempts over a period of 5 months. This data was used in a spatial context to compute lion density in east Gir Sanctuary area. 

Eight Maldhari ness were monitored continuously for a three month period (April - June 2005) to determine the number of livestock dying due to predation or other causes. We found that 75% of livestock predated by lions were cattle. On the average 1.95 (se ± 1.04) livestock were predated per 100 livestock. Inclusion of cattle in grazing herds suggests that Maldharis of Gir use this as a strategy to minimize predation on more valuable buffaloes. The cost of livestock predation to Maldharis was estimated. Data on livestock consumption and lion density was used to estimate the contribution of livestock to the lion diet.
 

Ecological monitoring of Gir.

Dr. Y.V. Jhala & Sh. Qamar Qureshi