Gujarat Lion Deaths: 322 Lost in Two Years

Over the past two years, Gujarat has recorded the deaths of 322 Asiatic lions, a figure that includes 166 adults and 156 cubs. The state government recently informed the assembly that 64 of these lion deaths were a result of unnatural causes. The period examined spans from January 1, 2024, to January of the current year.

These mortality figures are in the context of the 2025 lion census, which indicated a population of 891 Asiatic lions within the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding areas. A significant portion of the deaths, 64 in total, were attributed to factors other than natural causes, affecting adults, lionesses, and cubs.

In response to these figures, the government has outlined several conservation strategies. These include the establishment of wildlife treatment centers, increased veterinary staffing, and an ambulance service for rapid intervention. Additional measures focus on improving road safety and securing forest areas near wells and railway tracks.

Conservation efforts are further bolstered by the radio-collaring of lions and the establishment of a high-tech monitoring unit. Quarantine facilities have also been set up to aid in animal health management. Experts note that while annual mortality rates for big cats can be around 15%, Gujarat's rate is slightly higher, prompting a closer look at potential disease outbreaks, particularly given a recent trend of higher adult lion deaths compared to cubs.