Ep 14. India's Wandering Lions

The episode "India's Wandering Lions" from season 34 of Nature explores the incredible story of the Asiatic lion's remarkable resurgence in India. The documentary traces the history of this magnificent species, which was once on the brink of extinction, and follows the lives of a pride of lions as they roam freely on the plains of Gujarat.

The program begins with a look back at the Asiatic lion's troubled past. Once widespread across India, these big cats were decimated by hunting and habitat loss. By the turn of the twentieth century, only a handful remained in the wild, and extinction loomed. Fortunately, conservation efforts began in the 1970s, and today the Asiatic lion has made a remarkable comeback.

The heart of the episode focuses on a pride of lions living in the Gir Forest of Gujarat. This protected area covers over 1,400 square kilometers and is home to more than 600 Asiatic lions, making it the only place in the world where these cats can be found in the wild. Here, the cameras capture intimate footage of the pride as they hunt, sleep, and care for their young.

We meet the pride's matriarch, a formidable lioness named Rajkumari, who rules her pride with a steely determination. Alongside her is her daughter and future successor, Nisha. The episode follows Nisha as she learns the skills she'll need to lead a pride of her own someday. We also meet other members of the pride, including a pair of young male lions who must navigate a complex hierarchy in order to survive.

But life is anything but easy for these big cats. The Gir Forest is a harsh environment, filled with challenges and dangers. The pride must constantly fend off threats from rival males and other predators, including hyenas, leopards, and even crocodiles. And as human populations continue to grow around the Gir Forest, the lions' habitat is increasingly under threat.

Throughout the episode, the filmmakers highlight the role of conservation in the survival of the Asiatic lion. We see rangers at work, monitoring the cats' movements and intervening when necessary to protect them from harm. We also meet local communities living in the areas surrounding the forest, who have played an important part in the lions' recovery.

Overall, "India's Wandering Lions" is a captivating portrait of one of the rarest and most fascinating big cats on the planet. From their early days as tiny cubs to their dramatic battles over territory and food, the episode provides a window into the world of the Asiatic lion and the people working to ensure their continued survival.