Five Asiatic lions, including three cubs, have passed away in Gujarat’s Gir landscape within the last ten days. Forest officials suspect babesiosis, a tick-borne parasitic disease, in four of the cases, while one cub is believed to have died due to lion infighting. State Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia clarified that only two lion deaths are officially linked to babesiosis, with the rest attributed to conflicts or other causes.
The Babesia virus, transmitted through ticks, causes symptoms like weakness, nasal discharge, and coughing in infected lions, sometimes leading to death. Forest teams and veterinarians are actively identifying suspected animals, collecting samples, and providing treatment to contain the disease. Tick-removal measures are also being implemented to prevent further spread.
Dr. Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest & Head of the Forest Force, confirmed the lion deaths, mentioning that four were suspected to be due to the virus, while one cub died from infighting in Amreli district. He noted that such cases typically occur in the first few months of the year and that medical teams are vigilantly monitoring lions and taking preventive actions.
Babesiosis, caused by Babesia parasites transmitted through tick bites, affects red blood cells and can lead to fever, anaemia, weakness, and respiratory issues in lions. Infected lions become more susceptible to secondary infections and stress-related complications, as observed during the 2018 outbreak in Gir.
Gujarat’s lion management system, globally recognized, is actively working to prevent disease spread in the forests. The state’s lion population continues to rise, with the Greater Gir landscape now home to an estimated 891 lions, marking a 32% increase from 2020 levels. Lions, once limited to three districts, now inhabit 11 districts in Gujarat.
The Union government’s Project Lion, initiated in 2020, focuses on habitat expansion, breeding facilities, veterinary care upgrades, drone surveillance, and disease management to safeguard the Asiatic lion population in Gir National Park and surrounding areas.
