Gir forest in Gujarat has recorded 31 lion deaths over the past six months, of which 28 were due to illnesses and only three from natural causes, according to Forest Department data. The deaths include 14 cubs and 17 adults.
The report rules out Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) as a cause, instead citing multiple organ failure, pneumonia, anemia, septicemia, and respiratory, liver, and kidney failures as major factors. Cases of trauma and tick-borne anaplasmosis were also noted.
To address the crisis, officials are administering de-worming and de-ticking treatments along with immunity boosters, while intensifying monitoring across the Gir range.
Despite these measures, conservationists remain concerned over recurring illnesses and the rising mortality rate among Asiatic lions.