Gujarat recorded the deaths of 62 Asiatic lions, lionesses and cubs from various diseases and medical conditions in the year ending July 31, 2026, according to figures presented in the state Legislative Assembly.
The total included 17 lions, 17 lionesses and 28 cubs.
The figures were disclosed by Gujarat Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia in a written response during Question Hour on the third and final day of the Assembly’s monsoon session. Senior Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar had raised the question.
Multiple conditions linked to the deaths
The post-mortem reports cited by the government recorded a range of medical conditions rather than a single cause of death.
Among the conditions mentioned were kidney and hepato-renal dysfunction, multi-organ dysfunction or failure, myocardial infarction, septicaemia, pneumonia, haemorrhagic pneumonia, anaemia, paralysis, arthritis and gastroenteritis.
The reports also mentioned roundworm infestation, encephalitis, central nervous system disorders, ascites, bronchopneumonia, septic shock and acute illness, among other conditions.
The government said the death figures presented before the Assembly were based on post-mortem reports.
Preventive measures for the lion population
The Forest Department has several measures in place to prevent infections and monitor the health of the animals.
Lions undergo deworming and tick removal, while the department also collects blood samples and sends them to laboratories for analysis.
Disease prevention also extends to livestock living around lion habitats. Animals in sanctuaries, settlement villages and adjoining revenue villages are vaccinated to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
The government has also said it is working to maintain lion habitats, ensure adequate and healthy food and provide veterinary care for sick or injured wildlife.
Medical facilities and lion ambulance
Wildlife treatment centres have been established at Sasan, Jamwala, Jasadhar, Sakkarbaug Zoo, Junagadh, Saat Virda, Krankach, Babarkot and Zanzarda.
These facilities provide medical support for injured and sick wild animals.
A dedicated “lion ambulance” is also operational to provide medical assistance and support rescue efforts when required.
Teams monitor lions in the field
The Forest Department has deployed “wildlife friends” in areas frequently visited by lions. They assist with tracking animal movements and monitoring their condition.
The state has also formed Rapid Action Teams and rescue teams to respond to wildlife emergencies.
Forest personnel and trackers regularly monitor areas inhabited by lions, keeping track of their movements and gathering information about their health.
Gujarat’s Asiatic lion population
According to the 2025 lion census, Gujarat was home to 891 Asiatic lions.
The latest Assembly disclosure provides the number of disease-related deaths recorded during the year alongside details of the preventive healthcare, veterinary support, monitoring and rescue measures being used by the state to protect its Asiatic lion population.
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