Ahmedabad: Forest officials involved in the 16th lion censusbasked in a moment of pride, quite literally, when their Bhavnagar team reported sighting the largest assembly of lions ever — a good 20 of them! — proving that the royal family is expanding its dynasty in Saurashtra.Jaipal Singh, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) of Gujarat stated that another pride of 20 lions was spotted by a team in Saurashtra region. Sadik Mujawar, deputy conservator of forests, Bhavnagar, almost roared with delight when he sighted a grand gathering comprising two adult lions, six lionesses and about 13 cubs aged between three months and one year. Mujawar said that a pride of nine was spotted in Rajasthali-Virdi, indicating that Bhavnagar is becoming an important lion habitat. Similarly, another team encountered a pride of 17 in the Mitiyala sanctuary area. A group size of about 10-12 lions was the new normal in Gir, Singh said. According to a senior forest official, the largest documented group so far had 18 lions. They were captured in a frame by photographer Preeti Pandya at Gadakbari in June 2022. The group size of 20 is now officially the biggest they have come across, he added. “Lion numbers are typically higher than the declared count,” said a senior forest official requesting anonymity. Compared to the previous growth trends — 27.25% in 2015 and 29.78% in 2020 — this year’s increase in lion population could exceed 30%, placing the estimate at around 900, up from 674 in the 2020 census.The last census revealed that Gir, Mitiyala, Girnar, and Pania sanctuaries — which form the protected area — were home to about 380 of the 674 lions, indicating that the lion population in Greater Gir (outside the protected area) and nearby areas was around 294. The trend has likely reversed now. The sanctuaries have reached their maximum capacity, with approximately 425-445 lions inhabiting them, sources said. Based on early indicators, the department estimates the lion population outside the protected area to be anywhere between 440 and 470. The official lion count is expected to be declared in a fortnight.