In Gujarat, 18 lionesses, 10 lions died 'accidentally'

AHMEDABAD: The state lost more lionesses than lions to accidental deaths in the past 34 months. However, more lions than lionesses died of natural deaths during this period. According to the state government data tabled in the state assembly, 366 Asiatic lions, including cubs and lionesses, died between April 1, 2020, to January 31, 2023.

Replying to a question posed by Congress Anklav MLA Amit Chavda, the state government stated on Monday that 325 deaths of the 366 deaths were natural while the remaining 41 were accidental. The government added that 73 lions and 71 lionesses had died of natural causes.
The tabled reply further detailed that 18 lionesses, 10 lions and 13 cubs had died 'accidentally' in the state.
In reply to a question on lion conservation raised by BJP Lathi MLA Janak Talaviya, the state government said several measures had been taken to protect the lions. The government said it has set up a hospital and hired veterinary doctors and staff. The government added that it had appointed van mitras as trackers to keep an eye on the movement of the lions. Vaccinations have also been carried out at Sakkarbaug zoo, Devaliya safari park and gene pool centres in the state to keep lions safe. The government further added it had formed a high-tech monitoring unit and radio-collared lions to track and monitor them. The government has also taken up a project to fence railway tracks.
Last Tuesday, the state government stated that 240 lions had died in Gir from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022.