Junagadh: More than 20 lions in Gir forests, the sole natural abode of the Asiatic lions situated in Saurashtra region of Gujarat, have died in last 3 months due to a disease caused by Babesia, a protozoan parasite, a senior forest official confirmed today.

Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF), Junagadh, D T Vasavada today said that in the last three months 23 lions have died in the eastern Gir forests and most of these deaths were due to Babesia. Majority of the deaths were reported from the Tulsishyam and Jasadhar ranges of the forest in Amreli district.

‘As this disease is caused by a protozoa, it is not contagious. Around 18 other lions suffering from this disease were under treatment in the Jasadhar animal care center. Of these six fully recovered ones including five lionesses were released in the Tulsishyam range of the forest last night. 12 others are still under treatment,’ he informed.

Notably, in the last quarter of 2018, over two dozen lions had died due to virus caused deadly canine distemper disease in the Dalkhaniya range of the east Gir forests.

The five yearly Lion Census conducted last time in May 2015 had estimated the population of Asiatic lions in and around Gir forest at 523 (27% up compared to previous census in 2010). The population was 411 in 2010 and 359 in 2005. As per the 2015 census, the population of lions in Junagadh district was 268, Gir Somnath 44, Amreli District 174 (highest increase) and in adjoining Bhavangar District was 37. Of them there were 109 males, 201 females and 213 cubs. The Gir forest was spread across 1800 square km area.

DeshGujarat