Eight lions dead in Gir: Tick-borne disease scare triggers wildlife alert

Eight Asiatic lions, including four cubs, have died in Gujarat’s Gir Forest over the past 10 days, prompting heightened surveillance by wildlife authorities. Forest officials suspect babesiosis, a tick-borne parasitic disease, in the deaths of the cubs, while the adult lions are believed to have died due to natural causes and territorial fights.

Babesiosis is caused by a protozoan parasite that attacks red blood cells and can prove fatal if not treated in time. However, officials said there is no indication of a major outbreak, as the incidents were reported from different parts of the Gir landscape.

As a precaution, 17 lions have been isolated and kept under medical observation. Veterinary teams from Junagadh Veterinary College and forest department staff are conducting continuous monitoring and anti-tick treatment drives across the sanctuary.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has reviewed the situation and directed officials to ensure strict vigilance and timely medical care.