As many as 21 lions have died in Gujarat’s Gir forest, sending shockwave in the Asia’s only abode of wild cats. The government authorities attributed deaths to infighting and viral infection, prompting the state authorities to bring in experts from Veterinary Research Institute from Bareley and experts from Delhi Zoo.
According to the state forest department, 11 lions died between September 12 to 19 in Gir’s Dalkhania and Jasadhar range. Out those 11 deaths, carcass of seven lions were found in the forest areas while four lions died during treatment.
Moreover between September 20 to 30, 10 more lions which were rescued from Dalkhania range have died during the treatment, taking the toll to 21, making it the worst tragedy in Gir forest.
‘Injuries due to infighting, respiratory and hepatic’
“Post mortem report of 11 lions died during September 12 to 19, indicated infighting, injuries due to infighting, respiratory and hepatic failure as major causes for deaths,” a statement issued by the forest department mentioned.
As a result, all lions in the affected range were rescued and shifted to Jasadhar rescue centre. They were thoroughly checked up and samples collected from their were sent to National Institute of Virology, Pune and Indian Veterinary Research Institute in UP, Veterinary college and forensic science laboratory in Junagadh to ascertain their health conditions.
However, subsequently 10 more lions rescued from Dalkhania range died during treatment from September 20 to 30. The authorities sent their blood and tissue samples.
“As per the reports received from NIV from Pune, virus were found in four cases, whereas traces of Protozoans, which is spread by ticks found the body of lions, were found in six samples sent to Veterinary College in Junagadh,” the statement added, admitting presence of viral infection causing deaths of lions in the region.
Infection to lions limited to Sasasia forest area
The forest department, however, has stressed that the infection is found to be limited to the lions of Sasasia forest area only.
Now, as precautionary measure, all lions residing in Samardi area have been rescued and brought to Jamwala Rescue centre where they have been kept in isolation and actions are being taken to insulate them from the disease.
“They have been kept under observation with an objective to give them immediate treatment, if required. However, no virus or bacteria has been reported from 31 lions rescued from Samardi forest area and they all are found healthy at present,” the forest department statement added.
Moreover, as an emergency measure, the government is also importing certain vaccine from USA so that precautionary measure could be taken immediately.
Meanwhile, experts from Delhi Zoo, Lions Sagar Park and Indian Veterinary Research Institute are examining kidney and liver functions of all lions which have been rescued and brought to the rescue centres.
