62 Asiatic lions, cubs died of diseases in Gujarat in one year

Gujarat told the Assembly that 62 Asiatic lions, lionesses and cubs died of diseases in the year to July 31, 2026. The disclosure has put the focus on disease surveillance, treatment facilities and habitat-linked prevention measures.

In Short

• The deaths comprised 17 lions, 17 lionesses and 28 cubs
• Post-mortems listed septicaemia, pneumonia, kidney failure and multiple organ dysfunction
• Gujarat counted 891 Asiatic lions in the state's latest 2025 census

A total of 62 Asiatic lions, lionesses and cubs died of various diseases in Gujarat in the year ending July 31, 2026, according to data tabled in the state Assembly on Friday.

The deaths included 17 lions, 17 lionesses and 28 cubs, Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said in a written reply to a question raised by senior Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar during Question Hour on the third and final day of the monsoon session.

The minister said the deaths were recorded based on post-mortem reports. The big cats died of several illnesses, including septicaemia, pneumonia, haemorrhagic pneumonia, anaemia, hepato-renal dysfunction or kidney failure, multi-organ dysfunction or failure, myocardial infarction and paralysis.

Other causes included arthritis, gastroenteritis, roundworm infestation, encephalitis, central nervous system disorders, ascites, bronchopneumonia, acute illness and septic shock, among others.

The Gujarat government said it has taken several measures to prevent infections and ensure timely treatment of the state's Asiatic lion population.

As part of its disease-prevention measures, the Forest Department carries out deworming and tick removal among lions. Livestock in villages located within sanctuaries, settlement villages and adjoining revenue villages are also vaccinated to reduce the risk of disease transmission to wildlife, the minister said.

The department also collects blood samples from lions and sends them to laboratories for analysis, according to the reply.

Modhwadia said the government has undertaken several measures for lion conservation, including habitat management, ensuring adequate and healthy food and providing veterinary care.

Medical facilities have also been established at rescue centres to treat injured and sick wild animals. A dedicated 'lion ambulance' has been made operational to facilitate timely treatment and rescue operations, the minister said.

The Forest Department has also deployed "wildlife friends" in areas frequented by lions to monitor their movement and keep track of their condition. Rapid Action Teams and rescue teams have been formed to respond to wildlife emergencies.

Wildlife treatment centres have been established at Sasan, Jamwala, Jasadhar, Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh, Saat Virda, Krankach, Babarkot and Zanzarda, according to the minister's reply.

Forest officials and trackers regularly monitor areas inhabited by lions to keep a close watch on their movement and health, Modhwadia said.

According to the latest lion census conducted in 2025, Gujarat is home to 891 Asiatic lions.

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