Five lions have died recently in Gujarat’s Gir Forest region, including two lion cubs that are suspected to have died due to Babesia infection. However, the government has clarified that there is no disease outbreak among lions in Gir.
Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia said reports suggesting several lions died because of the infection are misleading and that only two suspected deaths have been linked to Babesia, while the other lions died due to natural causes and infighting.
Gir Forest is the world’s only natural home of Asiatic lions, making any lion deaths a matter of concern. Babesia is a tick-borne disease that can affect animals and cause symptoms such as weakness, coughing, and nasal discharge. After the recent deaths, forest and veterinary officials began closely monitoring the situation and taking preventive steps to ensure the disease does not spread further.
As per reports, the forest department has been identifying potentially infected lions, collecting their samples for medical examination, and providing treatment wherever necessary. Officials are also carrying out tick-control measures as part of the prevention strategy.
Minister Arjun Modhwadia assured that the forest department is continuously monitoring the health of lions and keeping a close watch on them, so there is no need for panic.
As per Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Additional Head of Forest Force, there is nothing unusual about the deaths of lions, as he described the incident as an isolated case. He explained that lion cub survival rates are naturally low, with only about half of them surviving in the wild. However, Gujarat’s veterinary care system, surveillance teams, and trackers have helped reduce mortality among lions over the years.
According to Singh, the two cubs that died were very young and had lower immunity, making them more vulnerable to illness. Apart from the cubs, two adult lions died due to natural causes, while one lion died after fighting with another lion. He also pointed out that the two cub deaths occurred in different parts of the Gir Forest, which further supports the government’s position that there is no widespread disease outbreak.
The incident has reminded wildlife officials of the 2018 crisis when 11 lions died within a month in Gujarat due to canine distemper virus and protozoal infection. Since then, authorities have strengthened disease monitoring and medical care systems for Gir’s lions.
Despite these recent deaths, the Asiatic lion population in Gujarat remains healthy and stable. According to the 2025 lion census, the state is home to 891 Asiatic lions, reflecting continued conservation success and protection efforts in the Gir forest.
Also Read: Gujarat Reports 322 Lion Deaths In 2 Years; 64 Linked To Unnatural Causes https://www.vibesofindia.com/gujarat-reports-322-lion-deaths-in-2-years-64-linked-to-unnatural-causes/
