The deaths of Asiatic lions in Gujarat’s Gir region have risen to 11 this month after two more cubs undergoing treatment died at the Jasadhar Animal Care Centre on Thursday, triggering concern among wildlife experts and forest officials over a possible disease outbreak.
The latest deaths were reported from the Gir East and Gir West Forest Divisions in Amreli district, where authorities have intensified surveillance and emergency containment measures.
Officials said the two cubs had been receiving treatment at the Jasadhar facility before succumbing during care.
Bhavani Pati confirmed the deaths and said samples from the deceased animals had been sent to laboratories in Gandhinagar for testing. Forest officials initially suspected a tick-borne Babesia infection among affected lions.
However, subsequent observations have also raised concerns over the possible presence of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), a highly contagious disease known to affect wild carnivores.
Authorities said the exact cause of death would be confirmed after laboratory reports are received.
Amid growing concern, Arjun Modhwadia said the state government had launched emergency-level measures to prevent further spread of infection.
Also read: 4 lion cubs die, 17 isolated in Gir amid viral infection scare
“More than 350 lions have been successfully de-ticked under expert supervision, while those showing symptoms are being isolated and continuously monitored,” the minister said.
He added that vaccination drives, treatment protocols and health monitoring operations were being carried out “on a war footing” across affected forest zones.
Following the spike in lion deaths, Bhupendra Patel chaired a high-level review meeting after which a specialised team from the Gandhinagar Forest Department was dispatched to the Gir region to assess the situation.
Officials said PCCF Bhavani Pati also visited the affected areas to personally inspect treatment centres and review containment measures.
A large-scale monitoring operation is currently underway in Gir East and Gir West to track the health condition of lions in the wild as well as those under veterinary care.
Forest authorities said teams were closely monitoring lions showing signs of illness to ensure early treatment and prevent any further spread of infection within the Asiatic lion population.
The Gir forest landscape is the world’s only natural habitat of Asiatic lions, making the deaths particularly significant for wildlife conservation efforts in India
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