Mineral extraction process has a significant impact on the economic, ecological and social fabric in its immediate environment. The challenges of wildlife conservation become more complex in India because the mother earth here has complimented biodiversity rich areas with equally rich deposits of mineral wealth.

This study aims to review the habitat suitability of the area under mine lease for lions and its wild prey base and its importance for long term viability of lion population in the area.

It is hoped that the findings of the ecological assessment of the mine lease area in the context of conservation priorities of the Gir landscape will help to facilitate decision making with respect to renewal of mining lease for limestone mining by M/s Narmada Cement Company Ltd.

(P.R. Sinha)

Director, WII