A total of 239 lions, including 126 cubs, died in Gujarat in the last two years, and 29 of these fatalities were due to unnatural causes, the legislative assembly was told on Monday.
At the same time, the number of leopard fatalities was 404, including 110 cubs, in the years 2022 and 2023, stated Forest Minister Mulubhai Bera.
Gujarat is the world’s last abode of Asiatic lions.
“Of the 239 lion fatalities, 117 were reported in 2022 and 122 in 2023. While 210 lions succumbed to natural causes, 29 fatalities were due to unnatural causes such as the big cats getting hit by vehicles or falling into open wells,” the minister said in a written reply.