Which of the following best describes the 'metapopulation approach' in wildlife conservation?

Distributing a species across multiple, geographically separate habitats to reduce the risk of extinction from localized catastrophes.

Concentrating a species in a single, highly protected core area to ensure maximum monitoring.

Introducing non-native species into an ecosystem to increase biodiversity and genetic resilience.

Focusing exclusively on captive breeding programs to prevent the loss of genetic diversity.

The 2013 Supreme Court judgment regarding Asiatic lions primarily emphasized:

The necessity of establishing a second, geographically separate population for the species' long-term survival.

The immediate cessation of all tourism activities within the Gir National Park.

The conversion of all lion habitats into strictly protected biosphere reserves.

The exclusive right of the state of Gujarat to manage the Asiatic lion population.

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6 July 2026

Conservation of Asiatic lions

The topic involves a landmark Supreme Court judgment regarding the translocation of an endangered species, highlighting critical issues of federalism, inter-state disputes, and national conservation policy.

Notes

Asiatic lion population has grown from a few dozen in the early 20th century to approximately 891 today.
Scientific consensus, including reports from the Wildlife Institute of India, warns that a single-site population is vulnerable to extinction from epidemics, forest fires, and natural disasters.
The 2013 Supreme Court judgment directed the translocation of Asiatic lions from Gir, Gujarat, to Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, citing the need for a second home for long-term survival.
The 'metapopulation approach' in conservation science advocates for distributing species across multiple, geographically distant habitats to reduce extinction risk.
The 2018 Canine Distemper Virus outbreak in the Gir population highlighted the risk of disease spread in dense, concentrated populations.
Project Lion (2020) is a government initiative aimed at expanding lion habitats, though proposals like Barda Wildlife Sanctuary are geographically close to Gir.
The delay in translocation highlights a conflict between national conservation priorities and regional resistance, despite the Supreme Court's declaration that lions are national heritage.

Part of a longer story

This is day 1 of 2 in Conservation and Ecology of Asiatic Lions, which has been running since 6 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

Discuss the ecological necessity of the 'metapopulation approach' in the conservation of endangered species, with specific reference to the Asiatic lion. 150 words

Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min

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Examine the challenges in balancing regional interests with national conservation mandates in India. How does the case of the Asiatic lion translocation reflect the complexities of environmental governance and the role of the judiciary in ensuring species survival? 250 words

Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

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Prelims

Which of the following best describes the 'metapopulation approach' in wildlife conservation?

The 2013 Supreme Court judgment regarding Asiatic lions primarily emphasized:

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

India needs a second home for Asiatic lions

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