A study published in Conservation journal reveals that Asiatic lions in Gujarat's coastal regions primarily rely on wild prey rather than livestock.

Researchers analyzed 160 lion scat samples from Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and other districts, finding that wild prey accounted for 64% of the diet and 70% of biomass consumed.Blue bulls (nilgai) contributed 51% of the biomass, followed by wild pigs.The findings contradict initial assumptions that coastal lions would depend more on livestock due to limited wild prey.

Gujarat's conservation model, allowing lions to thrive in multi-use landscapes while relying on natural prey, is highlighted as a key lesson for wildlife protection.

The study notes that feral cattle and buffalo also form part of the diet but emphasize the importance of conserving wild prey populations for long-term survival.State officials acknowledge the benefit to farmers as lions control crop-damaging species like nilgai and wild pigs.