Rajkot: Around eight Asiatic lions, including five cubs, have died within a short span in Gir forest due to suspected outbreaks of deadly diseases such as Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and Babesia, triggering a major wildlife health alert across the Gir East and Gir West forest divisions in Saurashtra. The deaths have prompted the forest department to launch intensive rescue and surveillance operations, although the state government has clarified that only two lion deaths have so far been linked to Babesia.

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said two lions were suspected to have died due to Babesia infection, while the remaining deaths were attributed to territorial conflict or other causes.

“The Forest Department and a team of expert veterinary doctors are continuously working in the field to monitor the health condition of the lions. All precautionary measures are being effectively implemented for the immediate identification of suspected cases, necessary treatment, and prevention of any further spread of the virus,” he added.

ગુજરાતના ગૌરવ સમાન એશિયાટિક સિંહોના આરોગ્યને લઈને રાજ્ય સરકાર અને વન વિભાગ સંપૂર્ણ સજાગ અને પ્રતિબદ્ધ છે. બેબીસીયા વાયરસ સંબંધિત સામે આવેલ માહિતીની ગંભીરતાપૂર્વક તપાસ હાથ ધરવામાં આવી છે, જેમાં બે સિંહોના મોત અંગે વાયરસની આશંકા સામે આવી રહી છે.

વન વિભાગ અને નિષ્ણાત વેટરનરી… pic.twitter.com/Own9Uxy5lc

— Arjun Modhwadia (@arjunmodhwadia) May 26, 2026

Lion deaths across ranges raise concern

According to reports, two lions died in a single day near the Gir Gadhada border in the Jasadhar range under the Dhari Gir East division. Additional lion deaths were also reported from the Babaria and Jamwala ranges in Gir West, raising concerns over a possible wider disease outbreak.

The deaths have triggered concern at the state level, prompting officials to intensify monitoring and review field operations.

Forest officials said lion cubs appear to be among the worst affected in the ongoing situation. Reported cub deaths include:

• Liliya range: one lion cub
• Savarkundla range: one lion cub
• Sarsia range: one lion cub

Forest department launches emergency response

Following the emergence of suspected Babesia cases after nearly eight years, forest authorities have intensified surveillance and begun rescuing weak and vulnerable lions for observation and treatment.

Officials said an entire pride of eight lions from the revenue area near Jar village in Dhari has been shifted to the Sarsia range in Gir East and placed under observation at the Jashadhar Animal Care Centre. Samples from the lions are being collected for laboratory testing.

Veterinary teams are conducting medical examinations of lions kept under observation. Reports of weak lion cubs succumbing to illness have also emerged from areas including Liliya and Savarkundla over the past month.

Officials are separating lion groups based on symptoms and collecting blood and biological samples for testing. Special wildlife veterinary teams have also been deployed for round-the-clock monitoring, including night operations when necessary.

What is Babesia?

Babesia is a serious parasitic disease caused by microscopic protozoa known as Babesia. Similar to malaria, the parasite attacks red blood cells after entering the bloodstream, leading to their destruction and causing severe anaemia. The disease can affect humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.

CDV remains a major threat to wild cats

Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is a highly contagious viral disease commonly associated with dogs, but it can also infect large wild cats such as lions, tigers, and leopards. The virus has caused significant lion mortality in the past, including in Gir.

Past outbreaks keep forest department on alert

The latest health scare has revived memories of the 2018 CDV outbreak in Gir’s Dalkhaniya range, where more than 23 lions died. Similar incidents were also reported last year, when around 15 lions reportedly died due to illness in Rajula, Jafrabad, and Khambha areas of the Shetrunji division.

Officials said lessons from previous outbreaks have prompted a faster and more aggressive response this time.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Jaipal Singh Rathod said some cub mortality is generally observed during this season, but continuous tracking and monitoring are underway to protect lions from Babesia and other diseases.

Minister Modhwadia maintained that the situation was under control and said Gujarat’s lion conservation and management system remained robust, adding that there was no reason for public panic at present. DeshGujarat