The increasing incidents of death of lions in Gir of Amreli district of Gujarat have created concern. The number of lions that died in Gir in May 2026 has increased to 8. Initially, it was suspected that the lions were suffering from tick-borne Babesia infection, however, it is now believed that the cause may also be canine distemper virus (CDV).
in fall lions On the death of lions, Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said that lions have died in the revenue area of Gir in the last one week. This incident happened due to a virus, the Forest Department has taken samples and sent them for investigation. The report will come in the next 3-4 days. All lions living within 10 kilometers have been isolated.
He said that work is going on to eliminate the infection. The situation is currently under control, no incident has happened in the last two days, but work is going on to stop the spread of this virus. There are reports of 8 suspicious deaths. VANTARA help will be taken if needed. If needed, help will also be taken from the Government of India.
Virus wreaks havoc on the death of Gir lions
He said that the Chief Minister himself is keeping an eye on this matter. The PM’s office is constantly keeping an eye on this and is taking guidance from it. All steps are being taken. Senior officials of the forest department are keeping an eye on the situation.
Earlier, a high-level meeting was held on this issue under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, after which a special team of Gandhinagar Forest Department reached Gir, and investigation has been started in the border areas of Gir East and Gir West. The forest department has been put on high alert after the deaths. Officials said that PCCF Bhavani has reached Gir area from Gandhinagar to take stock of the situation by visiting different animal care and treatment centers.
Forest department’s investigation and rescue operation continues
The forest department has sent samples of the dead lions to a lab in Gandhinagar, and the test report is expected by this evening. Officials said that after the report, the exact cause of the deaths will become clear.
Currently, a special surveillance operation has been started to keep a close watch on the lions in different zones of Gir East and Gir West, and the animals undergoing treatment at the Animal Care Center are also being kept under close watch.
What are the symptoms of disease in lions?
- The immunity of wild animals decreases in Babesia and CDV diseases.
- Being anemic causes blood loss and RBCs get reduced.
- Common symptoms include the lion becoming sick and weak.
- Watering starts coming out from the lion’s nose and eyes and symptoms like fever appear.
Leave a Reply