AHMEDABAD: A total of 307 Asiatic lions died in Gujarat between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2025 — and only 16% of these deaths were attributed to natural causes such as old age, according to data presented in the state assembly on Wednesday.
The data revealed that just 50 lions died of natural causes, while the majority — 141 — succumbed to illness. Another 74 deaths were the result of infighting among lions. Additionally, 39 lions died in accidents, including:
- 2 in road accidents
- 5 hit by trains
- 20 falling into open wells
- 9 drowning incidents
- 3 due to electrocution
Wildlife experts pointed out that some deaths caused by illness could be linked to canine distemper virus (CDV), a disease known to weaken the immune system. However, identifying the exact cause is often complicated by underlying health conditions.
Despite the rising number of deaths, H.S. Singh, a lion expert and member of the National Board for Wildlife, noted that the cub survival rate in Gujarat stands at 52% — notably higher than in parts of Africa.
The increasing mortality has raised concerns among conservationists. Government records show 240 lion deaths in 2021–22, 286 in 2023–24, and now 307 over the last two years, prompting renewed scrutiny of lion population monitoring and habitat safety measures.
