The Gujarat government has informed the state Assembly that 322 Asiatic lions have died over the past two years, with 64 of those deaths attributed to unnatural causes.
The data was shared by Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia while responding to a question raised by Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar during Question Hour on Friday.
According to the written reply, 313 lion deaths were recorded between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025. An additional nine deaths were reported in January this year, taking the total count over 25 months to 322.
Breaking down the figures year-wise, the minister stated that 165 lions died in 2024 and 148 in 2025.
Unnatural Deaths And Population Details
Of the 322 deaths, 64 were categorised as unnatural. The details show that these included 17 adult male lions, 24 adult lionesses, 22 cubs and one unidentified lion.
The state’s 2025 lion census estimates the population of Asiatic lions in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining areas at 891. This includes 255 adult males, 405 lionesses and 231 cubs.
A senior forest official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that with an official population of 891, an annual death figure of around 135 lions translates to roughly 15% of the population — a rate generally considered acceptable among big cat species. However, he pointed out that Gujarat’s mortality rate works out to around 17% to 18%. He also suggested that the actual lion population could be higher than officially declared figures, as the department has traditionally adopted conservative estimates.
Measures To Reduce Unnatural Deaths
The government outlined several steps aimed at preventing unnatural fatalities and strengthening conservation. These include establishing treatment centres for wild animals at various locations, appointing veterinary doctors and introducing ambulance services to ensure quicker medical response.
Additional preventive measures mentioned in the Assembly reply include installing speed breakers and signboards on roads that pass through sanctuary areas, increasing foot patrols in forest zones, building parapet walls around open wells near forest regions, and erecting fencing along railway tracks in the vicinity of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.
Leopard Attacks In Narmada
In a separate response to a question raised by Dediapada AAP MLA Chaitra Vasava, the government also shared details of leopard attacks in Narmada district.
Between January 1, 2024 and January 31, 2026, there were 14 recorded attacks on humans. Of these, four people lost their lives while 10 sustained injuries. In January alone, two individuals were injured in two separate incidents.
The government stated that compensation of approximately Rs.25 lakh was paid in cases of death, while Rs.3.25 lakh was provided in cases involving injuries.
The reply further noted that there was only one recorded incident of leopard attack on blackbucks during the period, in which eight antelopes were killed.
The figures presented in the Assembly highlight ongoing conservation challenges even as Gujarat continues to host the world’s only population of Asiatic lions.
Also Read: Lions In Gir Region May Top 800 In 2025 Census, Believe Forest Officials https://www.vibesofindia.com/lions-in-gir-region-may-top-800-in-2025-census-believe-forest-officials/
