In a concerning development for Gujarat’s iconic Gir forest, home to the last remaining population of Asiatic lions, four lion cubs have died in separate areas due to a suspected infection. Officials have responded swiftly by isolating 17 adult lions for close monitoring and care.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel convened a high-level meeting in Gandhinagar on Wednesday to review the situation, according to an official release. Principal Secretary of Forest and Environment, Vinod Rao, briefed the Chief Minister on the latest updates, confirming the deaths and the isolation measures.
Forest authorities are conducting intensive monitoring of all lions within a 10-kilometre radius of the Gir Gadhada and Babaria areas. No additional symptoms of illness have been observed in these animals so far. Similarly, lions in the Mahsuli region spanning Amreli and Bhavnagar districts are under strict surveillance, with daily reports being submitted to senior officials.
As a precautionary step against seasonal ailments common at the onset of summer, the Forest Department has initiated de-ticking and other health interventions for more than 350 lions across the Gir landscape. Specialist veterinarians from Junagadh Veterinary College have been brought in to support these efforts, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Jaipal Singh stated.
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Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia had earlier noted that two of the cubs were suspected to have succumbed to the Babesia virus, which is transmitted through ticks and can lead to symptoms such as weakness, coughing, and nasal discharge. He attributed three other lion deaths in the region to natural causes and infighting. Modhwadia emphasised that there was no indication of a widespread epidemic or major disease outbreak in the Gir forest.
This incident draws a parallel to a previous episode in 2018, when 11 lions died within a month due to a combination of canine distemper virus and protozoal infection.
The latest census conducted in 2025 recorded a total of 891 Asiatic lions in Gujarat, underscoring the importance of protecting this vulnerable population.
The Forest Department continues to maintain vigilance to safeguard the health of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.