Forest personnel in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district have intensified surveillance and preventive healthcare measures for Asiatic lions following the recent death of eight cubs in the Gir forest region due to suspected Babesia infection, a tick-borne disease.
Deputy Conservator of Forests (Bhavnagar) Yogesh Desai said on Monday that no symptoms associated with the suspected infection have been detected among lions in Bhavnagar so far. He added that precautionary steps have been significantly ramped up to ensure early detection and prevention of any possible spread.
Eight lions, mostly cubs, have died in Amreli and Gir Somnath districts in recent days, prompting concern among forest authorities. Preliminary findings have pointed to suspected Babesia infection as a possible cause, though officials have clarified that the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after detailed laboratory examination of samples.
Desai said forest teams in Bhavnagar have increased foot patrolling and monitoring activities across lion habitats. During recent full-moon surveillance operations, around 50 Asiatic lions were sighted in the district’s forest area. All the animals were examined by veterinary staff and were found to be in good health.
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“As a precautionary measure, 19 lions have already been dewormed, de-ticked and administered preventive doses. The remaining lions will also be covered within the next 10 days,” Desai said.
He further said the department has instructed field staff to maintain strict daily monitoring of lion movement and behaviour. Detailed reports are being compiled and reviewed every evening, with special attention to gait, activity levels and any abnormal behavioural changes that may indicate illness.
“If any unusual symptoms are observed, veterinary officers will be immediately informed so that rescue and treatment measures can be initiated without delay,” he added.
Officials said Bhavnagar’s lion population currently shows no alarming signs, but the forest department remains on high alert as a precautionary measure. Continuous monitoring, timely intervention and preventive treatment are being prioritised.
Earlier, Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia had said lions within a 10-km radius of affected areas were being isolated as a preventive step. He also confirmed that no new suspected cases had been reported in recent days.
Gujarat’s Asiatic lions, once confined to the Gir landscape, now range across multiple districts due to sustained conservation efforts.
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