A fresh health scare has gripped the Gir forest in Gujarat, the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion, after five lions died over a 10-day period across the Gir East and Gir West forest divisions. The deaths have alarmed the forest department and revived memories of the 2018 epidemic that wiped out 11 lions in a month.
Recent Lion Deaths in Gir
According to senior forest department officials, the latest casualties were reported from areas near Babariya and Gir Gadhadha in the Gir West division. Among the dead are two cubs and three adult lions. Babesia infection is suspected in at least some of the cases. Gujarat's 2025 census recorded 891 Asiatic lions in the state.
Comparison with 2018 Outbreak
The 2018 outbreak, which claimed 11 lions, was traced to a combination of canine distemper virus (CDV) and Babesia, a protozoal infection. The current situation has prompted the department to identify weak big cats across the landscape, with 10 lions in the Gir and Greater Gir regions placed under surveillance. Beat guards, however, suspect that some of these may simply be showing signs of ageing rather than infection.
Babesia Infection and Its Causes
Babesia is a tick-borne, highly infectious vector-borne illness that affects animals. The spread of ticks is suspected to be linked to the improper disposal and skinning of cattle carcasses, and the growing stray dog population in the region. Rising temperatures are also believed to have boosted tick activity.
Preventive Measures Taken
As a preventive measure, large-scale deworming and tick-control treatment has already been carried out on around 350 lions in the Tulsishyam, Khambha and Dhari ranges ahead of the season. Forest minister Arjun Modhwadia confirmed the deaths but ruled out the possibility of a disease outbreak in Gir.
“Two lion cubs in Gujarat’s Gir forest region have died due to suspected Babesia, while three other big cats have succumbed to natural causes and infighting in separate incidents,” he said. He added: “Only two suspected lion deaths have been attributed to this viral infection. The remaining three deaths have occurred either due to infighting or other reasons.”
He said that authorities were identifying suspected lions, collecting samples and providing treatment, while steps were also being taken to remove ticks from animals as part of preventive measures.
