All details of Gir Asiatic Lion

According to the lion census, there are currently 891 lions in the state.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 4-3-2026

(This is a Google translation from Gujarati, errors may occur; see the original Gujarati translation for the controversy.) 39600 word

The number of Asiatic lions in Gujarat has increased to 891, a 32.19 percent increase from the previous count. We began counting lions in March. Subsequently, from May 10th to 13th, the entire staff, numerous volunteers, and villagers participated in the lion count.

Lions are counted using the direct bite count method every five years. This year marked the 16th lion count. It covered a total area of ​​35,000 square kilometers across 58 talukas in 11 districts. A total of 3,855 people, including 535 enumerators, assistants, volunteers, and sarpanches, participated in the lion count.

The last full-scale lion count in Gujarat was conducted in 2015.

In 2020, the traditional lion count could not be conducted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, approximately 1,400 forest department employees conducted a lion census on June 5 and 6, 2020. Since then, the lion count has increased by 217.

According to the census, Gujarat has 196 males, 330 females, 140 sub-adult (older than cubs but smaller than adult lions) lions, and 225 cubs.

When the last 15th census was conducted, Gujarat had 674 lions, of which 260 were females, 161 males, 93 were sub-adult lions, and 137 were cubs.

In Gujarat, the lion census was conducted in Junagadh, Gir-Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar, and Botad districts.

The Gujarat Forest Department has been counting lions using the direct bite verification method for the past 30 years, and the same method was used this time as well.

The Gujarat Forest Department counts Asiatic lions in and around the Gir Forest every five years.

This year, a lion population estimation exercise was conducted over four days, from May 10th to May 13th, to estimate the lion population.

Because lions are carnivorous animals that live in families, estimating their population is easier than counting leopards or tigers, which live alone. However, lions are territorial animals, and a family can range over an area as large as 100 square kilometers.

According to the state government’s list, the first Asiatic lion count in Gir was conducted in 1936. The traditional lion count could not be conducted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Approximately 1,400 Forest Department employees conducted the lion census on June 5th and 6th, 2020. Because the night between June 5th and 6th was a full moon night, it was named the Poonam Survey 2020. As stated on page 3 of the report showing the 2020 results, the Gujarat State Forest Department has been conducting regular lion censuses every five years since 1963.

The Poonam Survey report states, “The 1963 census was based on lion tracks, and an attempt was made to mark sighted lions by color.”

In Gujarat, the Forest Department divides protected forests into smaller units for administrative convenience. Consequently, a beat, a small geographical area, becomes the smallest administrative unit and is typically overseen by a beat guard.

Two or three bits together form a round, and two or three rounds together form a range, or perimeter, whose security is the responsibility of the Range Forest Officer (RFO).

A few such ranges together form a division, or a forest department, under the responsibility of the Deputy Conservator of Forests. A few such divisions together form a circle, or a circle, under the responsibility of the Conservator of Forests or Chief Conservator of Forests.

For administrative convenience, the Gujarat Forest Department divides its controlled areas into circles such as Wildlife Circle, Territorial Forest Circle, and Social Forestry Circle. The Junagadh Wildlife Circle includes Gir East, Gir West, Sasan, Shetrunji, and Porbandar Wildlife Divisions.

The traditional lion census could not be conducted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, Forest Department employees generally considered this task a lion census, increasing the monthly full-moon observations.

The Sultan Who Saved Lions from Extinction

In the book “Gir Forest and the Saga of the Asiatic Lion,” Sudipta Mitra writes that the Gir Forest is becoming the last refuge of the Asiatic lion, and the credit for protecting it goes to the then Nawab Sahib of Junagadh, Sir Muhammad Mahabatkhanji III. If it weren’t for him, the Gir Forest would not exist today.

Historians believe that the arrival of Muslim rulers in India brought trouble to lions.

The Mughals and the Muslim Sultans before them were fond of hunting lions, and this hobby proved to be the death knell for lions.

There was a time when lions, which once ranged from present-day Pakistan to present-day Bihar, were released and confined to the Gir Forest.

Lions suffered the most during the British period. The British used guns for hunting, which proved more dangerous to lions than the Sultans’ traditional hunting practices. During the British Raj, lion hunting was a “powerful act” for British officials and local royal families.

It was considered a “true symbol.” Therefore, saving lions was not acceptable at the time.

According to records in Gir Forest and the Saga of the Asiatic Lion, in 1871, Nawab Mahabat Khan II of Junagadh, under the supervision of the then Governor of Bombay,

Sir Seymour Fitzgerald was invited to hunt in the Gir Forest.

The real beginning of lion conservation was made by Mahabat Khan’s son, Rasul Khan. Nawab Rasul Khan was a great hunter, but he never hunted a lion.

His son, Mahabat Khan III, was also an avid hunter like his father. However, he too refrained from lion hunting.

Until 1870, there was a period when bounties were offered for lion hunting. During this period, the Nawab’s permission was also required.

The turning point in the entire story came in 1890, when the Duke of Clarence visited Gir. It was then that the Nawab realized for the first time that the lion’s existence was in danger.

When Lord Curzon, who visited Gir for hunting in 1900, learned of the threat to the lion’s existence, he himself refrained from hunting lions to set an example.

Curzon wrote to the Burma Game Preservation Association to save the lions, saying, “History will never forgive us if we fail to save them.”

This was British India’s first concern about the endangered lions. According to the Kathiawar Gazetteer, in 1884, only 10 to 12 lions remained in Gir.

Realizing the threat to the lions’ existence, Junagadh State began taking steps to protect them.

In an agency notification at the time, Nawab Mahabat Khanji II advised the public and Europeans not to hunt lions. Mahabat Khan III, who ascended the throne of Junagadh in 1920, linked the lion to Junagadh’s identity. He granted them “royal protection” and banned lion hunting.

During his 13-year reign, only one lion was hunted.

The biggest obstacle to lion conservation was the borders of the Junagadh state. The Junagadh State had banned lion hunting, but what about other states?

Lion hunting was rampant in other states bordering Junagadh.

States across Junagadh’s borders set up platforms to hunt lions. The Nawab had no control over this, so the Nawab of Junagadh rebelled against the British government and gained its support.

Thus, while there were once only 10 to 12 lions left in Gir, the lion population gradually began to increase. By 1950, the lion population had surpassed 200.

After India gained independence, the Nawab of Junagadh declared an alliance with Pakistan and fled. “Gir Forest and the Saga of the Asian Lion” describes how Mahabat Khan’s departure to Pakistan endangered the Gir lions.

Lion hunting resumed. In 1952, the Indian Board of Wildlife was formed and laws were enacted to protect wildlife. This did not deter poachers much. Hunting licenses continued to be issued until 1983, and lions continued to be hunted along with other wild animals.

Finally, the government banned hunting of all animals in Gir in 1983.

Has the Gujarat government failed to protect lions?

On July 9, 1969, the Indian government declared the lion the national animal. However, on November 18, 1972, this position was given to the tiger.

Thus, for some years, the Asiatic lion, which holds the title of India’s national animal, spread from Central Asia to Eastern India. At that time, three species of lions existed on Earth.

Two of these species existed in Africa, north and south of the Sahara Desert. The third species’ habitat stretched from Central Asia to India.

Of the three species, lions living in the southern region of the Sahara were the most fortunate.

While the species living north of the Sahara were the least fortunate and became extinct.

Of these, the lions that spread from Middle East Asia to India are the Gir Asiatic lions.

Despite the increase in numbers in Gujarat, are lions vulnerable?

Farmers in several villages in Amreli, Gir Somnath, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, and Porbandar districts are now interacting with lions.

Lions that escaped from the Gir forest in 1995 are now being seen in large numbers in residential areas of Saurashtra, i.e., revenue areas.

After independence, there were only 177 lions in 1968.

Revenue areas refer to land such as farms, homes, villages, pastures, etc. Lions’ lives are in danger in these revenue areas.

Also, conflicts between humans and lions are increasing. In February 2017, Gujarat Forest Minister Ganpat Vasava informed the Assembly that a total of 184 lions died in 2016 and 2017.

Of these, 32 were accidental deaths. The Gujarat High Court took suo motu notice.

Lions and cattle owners can coexist in the Gir forest, but the picture is different on revenue land.

The lions’ presence is creating a shortage of farm laborers, and forest department officials often harass farmers for the accidental deaths of lions. Lions are unsafe in revenue areas. Lions die from falling into open wells, electric fencing, road accidents, and railway accidents.

The Asiatic lion population in Gujarat has increased significantly, and lions are roaming in unsafe areas outside the forest instead of the protected areas of the Gir forest.

Because of this, lions are dying suddenly. In 2016 and 2017,

32 lions were accidentally killed in 2011.

Electric Fencing Farmers install electric fencing around their fields to protect crops from animals like nilgai and wild boar.

There have been several incidents of wild animals dying after touching the fencing.

Wild animals usually move at night, and

Vehicles travel very fast on the highway, which is why many accidents occur.

Open Wells – According to an affidavit filed by the Gujarat government in the Gujarat High Court, nine lions died after falling into open wells in 2016 and 2017.

Railway Accidents – The Surendranagar-Pipavav railway line passes through Amreli district. Lions move through Amreli district at many locations. Several lion-related accidents have occurred on this railway line.

The government has constructed railings at several locations on both sides of this railway line to prevent lions from entering the railway tracks.

The railings have restricted the lions’ movement and are impacting their hunting abilities.

To prevent railway accidents, railways should install devices that can detect lion movement on the tracks from a distance.

After the lion deaths were reported in the Gujarat Assembly, the Gujarat High Court took notice and summoned government officials.

The lion population has increased due to the efforts of the government and the people, and this increase is a case study for people around the world.

Like Project Tiger, Project Lion has also been launched, working to protect the lions living in Greater Gir.

Lions in Greater Gir face many threats. Sometimes people mock them, and sometimes they have to fight for drinking water.

When lions become sick or old, they approach human settlements.

In the Gir forest, they used to visit cattle owners’ enclosures and prey on their cows or calves.

There are also some new areas where lions are also approaching human settlements in a similar manner, but due to lack of knowledge about the behavior of lions living in enclosures, people become afraid of them and fights break out.

However, people in many areas of Saurashtra have welcomed lions.

If a certain distance is maintained from an animal and the lion is not disturbed, it will never attack a human.

In the CAG (Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India) report presented in the Gujarat Assembly, the Comptroller and Auditor General criticized the state government for failing to create new lion habitats.

In 2011, the lion population in and around Gujarat’s Gir Sanctuary was 308. In 2015, this number increased to 356.

According to this report, the lion population had increased by 54.6 percent by 2015. This increasing population has led to lions moving out of the sanctuary.

The Chief Conservator of Forests of the Junagadh Range informed the state government in November 2005 that the increasing lion population necessitated the creation of new protected areas.

However, the state government has been unable to take any decision on this proposal for so many years.

Approximately 30,152 hectares of land in Palitana, Mahuva, Talaja, Khambha, and Savarkundla in Bhavnagar and Amreli districts should be declared the ‘Sir Dharmkumarsinhji Wildlife Sanctuary’.

In Junagadh district, 178.87 square kilometers of land was declared a protected area in 2008. Beyond this, no additional land has been declared for lions yet.

The CAG report states that the Forest Department recommended to the Revenue Department in November 2010 that grazing land be given to the Revenue Department for the protected area, but the Revenue Department did not take any initiative, leading to the increasing number of lions in human-inhabited areas.

32 percent of lions live outside the Gir Sanctuary. These lions also die accidentally due to their habitat outside the sanctuary.

According to state government data, 184 lions have died in Gujarat in the last two years.

Three railway lines, sections A, B, and C, pass through the lion habitat in Amreli district.

According to the CAG report, lions died in five separate incidents between 2012 and 2014.

Fencing costing more than ₹25 crore was installed on the railway tracks to prevent such incidents.

Despite this, lions crossed the fencing and entered the railway tracks in eight separate incidents.

According to the CAG report, this fencing has failed to prevent sudden lion deaths on the railway tracks.

The eco-sensitive zone surrounding the sanctuary has been reduced, causing problems for the lions.

There is an urgent need to develop infrastructure outside the sanctuary, such as forest staff, animal hospitals, rescue centers, and more.

Along with the Forest Department, the CAG report also criticized the Gujarat government’s mining policy. The government has no system to monitor mining leases.

After 2003, the Gujarat government’s mining policy has not been reviewed until 2018.

A bench headed by Justice Madan Lokur told the government that the lion deaths are a very serious matter.

The Supreme Court also ordered the government to immediately investigate the cause of these deaths and protect the lions.

According to Gujarat government data, a total of 184 lions died in 2016 and 2017, of which 30 were accidental.

A total of 11 lions died in the Dalkhaniya and Jashdhar ranges between September 12 and September 19.

According to the postmortem report, the cause of death was internal fighting, respiratory and liver failure.

Death of the Lions

Following the incident, the lions were brought to the area’s rescue center and their blood samples were taken.

These samples have been sent to the National Virology Laboratory in Pune and the Forensic Science Laboratory in Junagadh.

According to the medical report of the lions, four

Virus symptoms were found in the lions, while six lions showed evidence of protozoa infection from ticks (blood-sucking insects).

CDV (Canine Distemper Virus) was found in four lions. This virus is found in dog saliva.

If a virus similar to canine distemper is found in even one lion, it could prove dangerous.

In 1992-93, this virus killed 1,000 lions in a short period of time in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Africa. Therefore, this virus could cause the deaths of more lions.

This virus could prove dangerous. However, the Forest Department has a different story to tell. Lion deaths are occurring not throughout Gir, but only in the Dalkhaniya Range.

The extent of the CDV virus and its potential consequences is also serious.

The CDV virus is found in all animals, including humans. When this virus finds the right environment, it becomes active.

Because illegal lion shows occur in other ranges, the lion’s death in the Deccan Range cannot be linked to the lion show.

This virus is mostly found in felines.

When lions roam outside the forest and enter neighboring areas and come into contact with dogs and cats, they are more likely to become infected with the virus.

Dogs and cats eat lion prey. When lions return to eat their prey, they are more likely to spread the virus.

Vaccinating dogs in residential areas where lions roam may help address this problem.

Asiatic lions were listed as endangered in 2008.

In 2015, the total number of lions in Gir was approximately 523.

Three experts from IVRI (Indian Veterinary Research Institute) in Uttar Pradesh, five experts from Delhi Zoo, and two experts from the Lion Safari in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, have been called in.

140 teams of 550 people have been deployed to locate sick lions.

Vaccines have also been imported from the US to combat lion disease.

The Mughals and their predecessors, Muslim kings, were fond of lion hunting, which led to a decline in the number of Asiatic lions in Junagadh.

Recognizing the threat to the lions’ survival, the then-Junagadh princely state began taking steps to protect them.

During their reign, lion hunting occurred only once every 13 years. After that, the lion population gradually increased, reaching a peak of only 10 to 12 lions in Gir at one point. By 1950, the lion population had surpassed 200. Ten lions died between September 20 and 30, 2018. Three railway lines, sections A, B, and C, pass through the lion-inhabited area of ​​Amreli district. Lion deaths are due to five main causes: falling into open wells, death from high-voltage electric currents near farms, railway accidents, and road accidents. In 2013, the Supreme Court ordered the Gujarat government to relocate the Gir lions to Madhya Pradesh. The then-Modi government in Gujarat argued in the Supreme Court that the lions were the “pride of Gujarat” and should not be relocated to Madhya Pradesh. The Supreme Court then stated that the lives of the Gir lions were in danger. Despite all efforts, the government has failed to protect them from this problem. Despite the Supreme Court’s 2013 order to relocate the lions, why is the Gujarat government not relocating them?
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(This is a Google translation from Gujarati, errors may occur; see the original Gujarati translation for the controversy.)
16th Lion Population Estimation – 2025
May 17, 2025

511 people, including officers, staff, and volunteers, participated in the Dhari Gir East Forest Area to estimate the lion population.

……………………………………….

Estimating the lion population in 58 talukas across 11 districts of the state, based on the Asiatic Lion Landscape.

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Observations, including time, GPS location, signs, photos, and movement direction, were included for data recording.

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Data collection, compilation, extraction, and graphing using GIS and statistical software.

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The Asiatic Lion Population Census is being conducted in two phases from May 10th to 13th, 2025, in 11 districts of the state, including Amreli, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Botad.

The lion population estimation was conducted under the Dhari Gir East Forest Division (Region). 511 volunteers, including regional officers, zonal officers, enumerators, and observers, participated in the lion population estimation and made a sincere effort to provide their best services.

To estimate the lion population, according to the Asiatic Lion Landscape, lion populations were estimated in 8 regions, 32 zones, and 112 sub-zones across 58 talukas in 11 districts of the state, covering an area of ​​approximately 35,000 sq. km.

As part of the 16th lion population estimation, work has been conducted in groups of 3-10 villages both within the forest area and outside the forest area. A 24-hour period has been set aside for observation recording, during which both the initial and final estimates are being made. Observations are recorded, including time, GPS location, signs, photos, and direction of movement. Important details related to this work are also being recorded. Data is being collected, compiled, extracted, and plotted using GIS and statistical software. Finally, after data analysis, a final lion population estimate report will be prepared.

The Forest Department of the Gujarat Government conducts a lion population census every five years. The first lion census in Gujarat was conducted in 1936. Modern technology is also being used to estimate the 16th lion population census.

It’s important to note that ‘Direct Bit Verification’ is a highly effective method for estimating the Asiatic lion population. This method, based on statistical analysis and ease of implementation, provides nearly 100% accuracy and has virtually no standard error. This method, which has been in use for more than three decades, is effective and easy to use in forests, grasslands, coastal areas, and revenue areas.

As of the 16th Lion Population Estimation – 2025, approximately 2,900 people, including regional officers, zonal officers, sub-zonal officers, enumerators, assistant enumerators, observers, and volunteers, are working in eight regions.

Under the guidance of the Chief Minister of the State, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, and under the leadership of Forest and Environment Minister Shri Mulubhai Bera and State Minister Shri Mukesh Patel, the Forest Department has undertaken several lion conservation works, due to which the lion population in the state is gradually increasing due to lion breeding.

According to the available data, in the lion census conducted in the year 1995, a total of 304 lions including adult males, females, cubs and cubs were recorded, 327 in the year 2001, 359 in the year 2005, 411 in the year 2010, 523 in the year 2015 and finally 674 lions were recorded in the year 2020.

The Asiatic lion census will be conducted in two phases in May.

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Including Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi,

Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar, and Botad districts.

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Ø The first lion census in Gujarat was conducted in 1936.

Ø Along with the count, information such as lions’ movement direction, sex, age, identification marks, GPS location, group formation, etc. will be recorded.

Ø Approximately 3,000 trained volunteers, including regional, zonal, and sub-zonal officers, will participate in the census.

Ø Modern technology such as high-resolution cameras, radio collars, the e-GujForest application, and GIS software will be used.

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The Forest Department of the Gujarat government conducts the lion census every five years. Under which the 16th Population Estimate-2025 of Asiatic Lions will be done tomorrow, from 10th to 13th May in two phases. In which the primary population estimate will be done from 10th to 11th May and the final population estimate will be done from 12th to 13th May. This population estimate will be done in total 11 districts of the state where lions are found, i.e. Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Surendranagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Amreli, Porbandar and Botad. Area of ​​35 thousand sq. km. It will be done through ‘Direct Bit Verification’ method in 58 talukas of 11 districts.

The state government is continuously making efforts to save the Asiatic lions by forming eco-development committees at the village level, establishing Wildlife Friends, organizing nature education camps at regular intervals, monitoring and caring for the plants and animals of Gir, and taking the cooperation of local people along with skilled manpower, due to which their numbers are continuously increasing in every census.

The Asiatic lion has been included in the logo of “Make in India” launched by the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi, while the Forest Department has also developed lion shelters.This has been decided, and since last year, the Barda Sanctuary has been under development as an alternative shelter for lions.

Under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel and the leadership of Forest and Environment Minister Shri Mulubhai Bera and Minister of State Shri Mukesh Patel, the lion population in the state is gradually increasing due to regular lion population estimation, assessment, and conservation work by the Forest Department. The first lion census in the state was conducted in 1936. According to the available data, a total of 304 lions, including adult males, females, cubs, and cubs, were recorded in the 1995 lion census. Similarly, a total of 327 lions were recorded in 2001, a total of 359 in 2005, a total of 411 in 2010, a total of 523 in 2015, and finally a total of 674 lions were recorded in 2020.

Direct Bit Verification Method:

‘Direct bit verification’ is a highly useful method for estimating the Asiatic lion population. Due to its statistical analysis and ease of implementation, it provides near-100 percent accuracy and a standard error margin of approximately zero. This method, which has been in practice for more than three decades, is effective and easy to use in forests, grasslands, coastal areas, and revenue areas.

The entire area will be divided into hierarchical units such as regions, zones, and sub-zones, and approximately 3,000 volunteers, including regional, zonal, and sub-zonal officers, enumerators, assistant enumerators, and observers, will count lions. They will be provided with designated sheets and maps of their assigned areas to record and verify lions. These sheets will record information such as observation time, direction of movement, sex, age, any other identifying marks on the body, GPS details such as location, group composition, etc.

Use of Modern Technology

Various technological tools, such as high-resolution cameras and camera traps, will be used to identify individual lions. Some lions have been fitted with radio collars, which will help pinpoint the location of the individual lion as well as its group. The e-GujForest application will also be used to assist in real-time data entry of lion sightings, which will increase accuracy and efficiency by incorporating GPS locations and photos. Additionally, GIS software will be used to visualize the survey area and create detailed maps to track lion movement, distribution patterns, and habitat use, according to a press release from Gir Forest in Junagadh.

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૧૬મી સિંહ વસ્તી અંદાજ – ૨૦૨૫

Lion Safari Park Launched in Porbandar’s Barda
October 29, 2024

Lion Safari Park Launched in Porbandar’s Barda

Four Lion Safari Parks in Gujarat, Proposal to Build 8 More

Why Are Lions Dying in Barda’s Safari Park?

Dilip Patel
Ahmedabad, October 29, 2024
Lions are now visible at the Barda Jungle Lion Safari. Gujarat’s fourth lion safari park opened on October 17, 2024. The Barda Jungle Safari begins at the Kapurdi Neshna checkpoint near Bhanvad, where tourists enter the forest to travel to Kileshwar. The 27-km Barda Safari Route runs from Kapurdi to Ajmapat and Bhukhbara Nesh via the Charan I barrier. It opened on October 29th.

The Barda Jungle Safari offers everything from wildlife, the environment, and the natural environment. Barda Dungar is spread across two districts: Porbandar and Devbhoomi Dwarka.

There has been criticism that the safari park was wrongly launched in Bhanvad, the constituency of Forest Minister Mulu Bera. In reality, it should have started in Porbandar.

One male, five females, and two cubs have been brought from Gir. Previously, there were six lions here. The Forest Department is silent on the current number. There have been incidents of lion deaths here.

This has become another destination for viewing Asiatic lions. There is enough space to house 40 lions. One male, five lions, and two cubs have been brought to the safari park. The Wildlife Institute of India previously declared Barda Sanctuary a potential habitat. Lions are spotted in the morning and evening in a 5-km area.

In addition to the natural beauty, the beautiful views of the Kilganga River at Kileshwar, the hilly and mountainous terrain, wildlife will be seen up close in their natural habitat. The Forest Department’s open-top jeep, which carries up to six passengers and a guide, is available for the Barda Jungle Safari route.

Gujarat has 674 lions. In 1879, a pride of lions was sighted in Barda Sanctuary. 143 years later, on January 19, 2023, a male Asiatic lion naturally established itself in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, a historic event.

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is home to 368 plant species. Of these, 59 are trees, 83 are shrubs, 200 are shrubs, and 26 are vines. Shrubs constitute the largest proportion at 54%, followed by shrubs at 23%, trees at 16%, and vines at 9%. Among the plants, the most distinctive species of Barda is the Rayon.

After nearly 14 decades, lions have once again returned to the forest areas.

The sanctuary is home to 22 species of mammals, including lions, leopards, wild cats, leopards, lynxes, lynx/vultures, jackals, lynxes, hares, deer, sabre-billed eagles, chitals, nilgais, and wild boars.

269 species of birds, including peacocks, pheasants, milkmaids, yellow-billed eagles, bulbuls, chasms, Indian blue-throated eagles, and white-throated eagles. are.

Fee ₹2,800
Permit fee ₹400, guide fee ₹100, Piya ₹400, and gypsy fee ₹2,000. Permits are available at the ticket booking counter. Advance booking is required. Online booking is also available.

The Barda region’s rugged hills and mountains span 215 sq km, of which 192.31 sq km is protected for wild animals.

Cities like Porbandar, Jamjodhpur, Upleta, Jamnagar, and Junagadh are accessible. The sanctuary is also 170 km from Rajkot and 430 km from Ahmedabad.

From the sanctuary, buses can be deboarded at Bhanvad and Porbandar railway stations. It is 40 km from Porbandar, 7 km from Bhanvad, and 82 km from Jamnagar. Rajkot Airport is 190 km away.

You can visit from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Barda Jungle Safari is closed from June 16th to October 15th every year.

Nearby are world-famous sites like the Navlakha Temple, Modpar Fort, Jambuvan Caves, Sudama, Kirti, the famous Nageshwar, and Dwarkadhish Temples. For more information, you can contact the Porbandar Forest Department office at 0286-2242551.

A ₹99 Crore Project
The Wildlife Institute of India developed a project with a grant of ₹99 crore, which included proposals to build a new lion habitat in Barda Dungar, monitor the entire project under the NTCA, install radio collars for the lions, and relocate the Maldharis of Barda Dungar. Additionally, there were proposals for vaccinating stray dogs and animals, testing for CDV and other diseases, and collecting samples of other wild animals.

Lion Deaths
After 45 lions died from canine distemper virus (CDV) in Gir, it became necessary to create a new habitat. To save the lion species, two pairs of lions were relocated from the Gir forest in Junagadh to the Barda Dungar forest in Porbandar. A lion gene pool project was established at the Satvirda Nash in the Barda Sanctuary. A male lion named A-One and a female lioness named Sarita successfully mated. Sarita gave birth to two cubs on April 1, 2019. Both the cubs and Sarita were healthy. There were a total of six lions in Satvirda: two males, A-One and Nagaraja, two females, Sarita and Parvati, and two newborn cubs.

A lioness named Sarita gave birth to two cubs on April 1, both of which died from maternal complications on April 3, 2019. The lioness carries her newborn cubs in her mouth, and the excessive pressure exerted by the movement caused the cubs to be injured. Postmortems on both cubs at Sakkarbaug revealed serious injuries. One cub suffered chest injuries, and the other suffered head and brain injuries. Such incidents sometimes occur with female cat families caring for their first litters. These cubs were provided with milk from outside by local Forest Department staff.

Deadly Barda
The geographical conditions in the Barda forest are not conducive for lions to live there for long periods of time. Furthermore, the rocky terrain makes it difficult for lions to walk in such terrain, and their feet become torn, making it difficult for them to survive in this area.

Lion Unit
The Wildlife Institute of India had requested to house 40 lions under Project Lion at the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary near Porbandar.

Lion Animal House Unit-1 and Unit-2 were constructed. Each unit has an animal house, crawl space, service shed, lounging grounds, and a lion utility area. Experts have inspected all the lions’ facilities within the enclosures, and the area has been found to be suitable for them, ensuring their successful stay. New safaris to be built
The central government has approved the construction of two new lion safari parks in Junagadh and Kutch in 2024. The Central Zoo Authority has approved the lion safari near Narayan Sarovar in Kutch and near Una in Gir Somnath district. The total cost of both safari parks is expected to be ₹100 crore.
There are lion safaris in Sasan, Devaliya, Barda, and Dhari in Gir. The government plans to build 12 safari parks in the state in the future. Following the approval of new safari parks in Kutch, Amreli, and Narmada-Kevadia districts by the Central Government and the Central Zoo Authority, new safari parks may be built near Ambaji, Vasanda, Gandhinagar, and Jetpur in the future.

Kutch
According to Principal Chief Conservator Nityanand Srivastava and Kutch Chief Conservator of Forests Sandeep Kumar, a lion safari park will be built on 300 hectares of land near Narayan Sarovar. The project is for tourism and a lion breeding center.

Una
Una, near Diu, is an area adjacent to the Gir Forest. The lion safari will be built here. Naliya-Mandvi in ​​Una taluka is 8 km from Diu. The announcement was made nine months ago.

Supreme Court approval will be sought.
Both safari parks will be built on 400 hectares of land belonging to the Forest Department. The proposal will be presented to the Supreme Court. Court permission is required to establish a zoo or safari park on forest land.

3 Safari Parks
Currently, there are two safari parks in Junagadh and Amreli Gir: Sakkarbaug Zoo Breeding, Devaliya Safari Park, and Ambardi Safari Park. A breeding center is located near Rajkot. A 28-hectare safari park is being developed near the Randarada Nursery in Rajkot.

Safari Parks
Devaliya Safari Park is located in Junagadh. Gujarat’s second safari park, Dhari, is spread over 4,000 hectares in Ambardi, Gir, 7 km from Amreli.

In Rajkot, near the Lalpari-Randarada Lake Zoo, the Zoo Authority previously acquired the zoo from the Rajkot Municipal Corporation. The corporation has been granted permission to build a lion safari on 28 hectares at a cost of ₹30 crore. The fencing has been completed and the tender process is underway. Junagadh, Saurashtra, has a lion breeding center. Rajkot also has a lion breeding center. More than 50 lions have been born there. The zoo now has 12 lions.

Public Promise
On October 6, 2018, the government announced the construction of a lion safari park in Ahmedabad, but nothing happened. During the Wildlife Conservation Week program in Vapi, State Forest Minister Raman Patkar announced the establishment of lions in Ahmedabad. Lions are being used as a public attraction.

Five years later, in 2023, it was again announced in Ahmedabad that the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will build Gujarat’s largest forest safari and biodiversity park on 500 acres near Gyaspur village at a cost of ₹250 crore. Tenders were issued for the dense forest and the appointment of a design and project consultant.

A lion and tiger safari park was to be built in Kevadia, 6 km from the main canal near the Narmada Dam, on a 100-hectare area. The exhibits were to be similar to those seen at ZSL London Zoo. Animals have been brought to the Kevadia Jungle Safari.

Forest Minister Ganpat Vasava announced in 2018 that a lion park would be built on 400 hectares of Forest Department land, 24 km from GIFT City in Gandhinagar. It was scheduled to open in 2022. Nothing happened.

Population
The lion population has increased by 30 percent in six years.

There were 511 lions in 2015. In 2020, there were 674 lions according to the Poonam Observation Count. In 2022, there were 736 lions. The lion population is expected to reach 850 by 2024.

Migration
Lions are migrating from the 1,412 sq. km. Gir Forest. They frequent Porbandar, Rajkot, Gondal, and Chotila. Therefore, Asiatic lions are being relocated to areas outside the Gir Forest in Saurashtra. Lions have already entered seven districts. It is estimated that there are approximately 400 lions outside the Gir Sanctuary. They migrate as trees grow in Gir. Therefore, the process of declaring parts of the Shetrunji River banks near Bhavnagar as a sanctuary is underway.

Deaths
123 lions died in 2020-21, 113 in 2020-22, and 89 in 2022-23.

Virus
23 lions died from canine distemper virus in the Dalkhaniya Range, east of Gir. At that time, the Forest Minister had not resigned. Lions may be in danger.

Who is grabbing land in the name of lions by declaring Gir an Eco-Sensitive Zone?

October 4, 2024

Who is grabbing land in the name of lions by declaring Gir an Eco-Sensitive Zone?

Dilip Patel

Gandhinagar, October 1, 2024

The new Eco-Sensitive Zone has been reduced to a 10-kilometer Eco-Sensitive Zone area. According to the notification, the distance between the declared Eco-Sensitive Zone area and the sanctuary has been set at a minimum of 2.78 km and a maximum of 9.50 km. There are 650 lions here, most of whom live outside the protected forests.

The proposal to implement the Eco-Sensitive Zone was made in 2016. The Eco-Sensitive Zone has been reduced by 40% in 2024 compared to 2016. This will pose a threat to lions and other wild animals.

A notification was issued declaring a total of 184,466 hectares around the Gir Protected Area as an “eco-sensitive zone.” Until now, the eco-sensitive zone included an area within 10 km of the Gir Protected Area boundary.

This zone included 24,000 hectares of forest area and 159,000 hectares of non-forest area.

After the initial notification, the final notification will now be issued.

The eco-sensitive zone includes 196 villages in the three districts of Junagadh, Amreli, and Gir Somnath, as well as river corridors along 17 rivers and four important lion movement corridors around the Gir Protected Area.

The 59 villages are located in the Junagadh, Visavadar, Malia Hatina, and Mendarda talukas of Junagadh district.

There are 72 villages in the Dhari, Khambha, and Savarkundla talukas of Amreli district. There are 65 villages in the Una, Gir-Somnath, Kodinar, and Talala talukas of Gir-Somnath district. These 196 villages encompass 24,680 hectares of forest area and 159,786 hectares of non-forest area. Gir National Park, Gir, Paniya, and Mitiyala Sanctuaries in Gujarat have reserved an area of ​​1,468.16 sq km for lions and other wildlife. The Government of India has issued the initial notification for the Eco-Sensitive Zone. The Forest and Environment Department has considered radio collar-based details of lion movements in villages surrounding the Gir Protected Area over the past 10 years. The Gir Protected Area has been declared a new Eco-Sensitive Zone, covering areas such as lion kills, important lion movement corridors, and river corridors. Mining leases and stone crushers are operating. A case was filed in the National Green Tribunal just a year ago regarding 76 illegal mines in the eco-sensitive zone. A committee of experts was ordered to investigate, which was supposed to be done. The government has not released any details about this.

In 2015, Rajkumar Sutaria filed a public interest litigation in the Gujarat High Court, which was settled in 2020. The government filed an affidavit. The bench consisted of Justices R.M. Chhaya and V.B. Mayani. The Department of Mines and Minerals stated that the mining was in the eco-sensitive zone of the Girna Pania Matiala Wildlife Sanctuary. No mining operation will be permitted as long as the legal validity of the unit’s mining lease remains in effect. All-time royalties were paid to 67 mining quarries. The lease has been suspended. Mining will not be permitted in this area.

The Wildlife Protection Act is to be implemented. Mining leases whose mining leases have expired have been asked to cease operations.

In July 2023, Biren Padhye filed a public interest litigation to preserve the Gir Eco-Sensitive Zone, covering an area of ​​3.32 lakh hectares, for which the High Court ordered the government to submit a new proposal.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice A.J. Desai and Justice Biren Vaishnav ordered the government to submit a new proposal based on the Supreme Court’s decision in the T.N. Godavarman case on the issue of eco-sensitive zones. The report was ordered to be submitted to the court on September 4th.

The state government had previously issued a draft notification announcing that 332,000 hectares of land in Gir National Park would be designated as an eco-sensitive zone. The draft was kept pending. Meanwhile, a new proposal was received, reducing the area to 117,000 hectares.

The reason was that a shutdown had been declared in 125 villages, including Dhari, against the eco-sensitive zone.

The 2017 scam
MoEF 2011 regulations were also being violated. A 10 km. Sq.m. area was designated as an eco-sensitive zone, and at that time, there were 332,881 hectares of land.

Suddenly, the 10 km. Sq.m. area was reduced to 0.500 km., or 500 meters, leaving only 114,000 hectares. 250 lakes and 750 water sources were meant for wild animals. They were reduced to 50 to 100. The area was reduced, violating the Supreme Court order. Therefore, the High Court stayed the state government’s decision on the eco-sensitive zone.

Mines
If the new proposal is implemented in the Gir Eco-Sensitive Zone, there are concerns that mining will occur there. There are 150 illegal mining sites in the Gir Somnath area. In 2022, six illegal mines operating in the eco-sensitive zone were closed.

Deaths
In the two years leading up to February 2024, 239 lions died, including 126 lion cubs. Of these, 29 lions died in mysterious circumstances. From July 2023 to January 2024, seven lions died on railway tracks. The Liliya, Savarkundla, Rajula, and Pipavav areas have a significant lion population. According to government data, around 100 lions live in this area, and the railway line from Surendranagar to Pipavav also passes through this area.

There are plans to relocate around 40 lions to the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.

Murder of Amit Jethwa
In Kodinar taluka, adjacent to the Gir forest, a cement company submitted a representation to the Ghantawar Gram Panchayat to begin illegal limestone mining. The villages of Ghantawar, Kansaria, and Chidiwav protested.

Limestone reserves lie buried in the ground in areas encompassing 120 villages, including Ghantawar, Kansaria, Nagdala, Jamwala, Harmadia, Anilwad, Pichhwa, and Pichvi in ​​the Gir region. Mining mafias were illegally mining limestone here, so RTI activist Amit Jethwa protested. The RTI activist launched a campaign to protect the Gir natural heritage from being plundered. In 2008, the government was forced to take action, and Amit Jethwa was murdered in 2010. BJP MP Dinu Bogha Solanki was involved in this murder. Today, some BJP leaders are illegally mining limestone in these villages.

Rupani’s Scandal
On February 20, 2019, Vijay Rupani granted Dinu Bogha Solanki 3.2375 hectares (32,375 square meters) of land for mining within 3 km of the Gir forest’s eco-sensitive zone. This is not permitted within an area of ​​10 km. However, the Rupani government committed a major scam by granting land to Shiv Minerals for limestone extraction, where lions and other wildlife live. The lion was betrayed by giving away land in Ghantawad.
The Rupani government also recommended the central Narendra Modi government to grant permission for this project by providing land.

Resorts
There are approximately 80 resorts around Gir. Most of these are owned by BJP leaders or their relatives. Former opposition leaders from the Congress are also building resorts.

Anar Patel Scandal
Anar Patel also had a resort project here. Narendra Modi, Anandiben Patel, and Vijay Rupani helped a company associated with Anar Patel in Gir to obtain approval for the resort. Despite the involvement of Gujarat Tourism Corporation MD Anar Patel, the industrialist, and seven officials in the land scam, no action has been taken. The land was valued at ₹900 crore, but it was sold for ₹27 crore. Today, the land is worth approximately ₹4,000 crore. The Gujarat government announced an investigation, but no investigation has been conducted. https://allgujaratnews.in/gj/%e0%aa%b9%e0%aa%a4%e0%ab%8d%e0%aa%af%e0%aa%be%e0%aa%b0%e0%aa%be-%e0%aa%ad%e0%aa%be%e0%aa%9c%e0%aa%aa%e0%aa%a8%e0%aa%be-%e0%aa%a8%e0%aa%be-%e0%aa%a8%e0%aa%87%e0%aa%a4%e0%aa%be-%e0%aa%a6%e0%ab%80%e0%aa%a8%e0%ab%81/

After Anar Patel, Rupani’s Gir forest land Scam
https://allgujaratnews.in/gj/%e0%aa%85%e0%aa%a8%e0%aa%be%e0%aa%b0-%e0%aa%aa%e0%aa%9f%e0%aa%b2-%e0%aa%ac%e0%aa%be%e0%aa%a6-%e0%aa%b0%e0%aab%82%e0%aa%aa%e0%aa%be%e0%aa%a3%e0%ab%80%e0%aa%a8%e0%ab%81%e0%aa%82-%e0%aa%97/

Owners have begun sealing the resort in Gir Gandhinagar. It’s over.
https://allgujaratnews.in/gj/%e0%aa%97%e0%aa%b0%e0%aa%ae%e0%aa%be%e0%aa%82-%e0%aa%b0%e0%aa%bf%e0%aa%b8%e0%aa%8b%e0%aa%b0%e0%ab%8d%e0%aa%9f%e0%aa%a8%e0%aa%87-%e0%aa%b8%e0%aa%b2-%e0%aa%ae%e0%aa%be%e0%aa%b0/

ગીર ઈકો સેન્સેટીવ ઝોન જાહેર કરવામાં સિંહના નામે જમીનનો કોણ શિકાર કરી રહ્યા છે

300 lions out of the forest during the monsoon.

In the monsoon 300 Lions Out of the Forest

September 8, 2024
According to the last census conducted in 2020, the number of lions in the country is 674. This number is 27 percent higher than the number in 2015. However, 300 of these 674 lions live outside the forest.

In 2015, lions in Gujarat covered an area of ​​approximately 22,000 square kilometers. In 2020, this area increased to 30,000 square kilometers.

According to the Gujarat State Government’s lion census report, 51.04 percent of lions live within the forest, while 47.96 percent live outside the forest.

The report states that outside the forest, 13.27 percent of lions are found in agricultural areas, 2 percent in residential areas, and 0.68 percent near mining and industrial areas.

In February this year, the central government informed the Lok Sabha that 555 lions had died in the previous five years. Ashwini Kumar Chobe, the then Minister of State for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, stated that 113 lions had died in 2019, while 124, 105, 110, and 103 lions had died in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively.

According to the Kathiawar Gazetteer, only 10 to 12 lions remained in 1884. The Forest Department of the Gujarat government has released an information booklet titled “Asiatic Lion: A Success Story.” According to the information provided in the booklet, during the first census conducted after Gujarat became a separate state, the number had reached 285.

Videos of lions living in the Gir Forest escaping the forest often go viral.

According to experts, the rate at which lions leave the forest increases during the monsoon season, and there are several specific reasons for this.

Several factors play a role, including the greenery of Gir and the dense forests during the monsoon season.

Lions prefer open air, and therefore, they migrate to areas away from dense and dense forests during the monsoon season.

The BBC spoke with the Gir Forest Department and experts to find out why lions are leaving the Gir forest and moving elsewhere.

Aradhana Sahu, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) of Junagadh.

During the monsoon season, the forest becomes humid due to rain, and some areas become flooded. Because of this, lions prefer dry areas or hilly terrain.

During the monsoon season, the number of certain insects, or mosquitoes, also increases in the forest. They irritate the animals. Therefore, animals prefer to move to areas where the number of mosquitoes and other insects is low.

Lions generally prefer to live in and around forests or forest-like areas. Sometimes they also prefer to live in farmlands.

Lions are often seen leaving the forest and wandering into nearby villages or roads.

Lions don’t leave the forest like this only during the monsoon. Lions have specific corridors, including Gir-Girnar, an active corridor. Gir-Mitiala, Savarkundla, and others are active corridors. Therefore, lions prefer to visit such places.

Experts also believe that the Gir forest is becoming too small for lions. As the lion population continues to increase over time, their roaming areas are shrinking.

Wildlife activist Rajan Joshi says that due to the increasing population, the Gir forest is becoming too small for lions. Therefore, lions roam in the forest areas outside Gir, i.e., Greater Gir. Greater Gir also has a greater number of animals for prey. This makes it easier to hunt lions. They are especially seen in the Greater Gir during the monsoon.

During the monsoon, the forest becomes dense. The rains increase the number of flies and mosquitoes, which scares the lions. The open areas on the border outside the forest are less prone to flies and mosquitoes. Therefore, lions migrate from the forest to these open areas.

Fed up with the hassle of flies and mosquitoes, lions sometimes come out onto the roads during the monsoon. There are fewer flies and mosquitoes there.

Another reason for lions to migrate to open areas is that prey is more readily available in the areas outside Gir after the monsoon.

The monsoon causes grass to grow in the open areas adjacent to the forest, so cattle also come there to graze, and lions also seek prey there.

The Gir forest is full of bushes and trees, whereas the African forest has more grasslands. The Gir Forest is dry in the summer, making it more suitable for lions.

The Gir Forest is somewhat open in the summer, making it easier to spot and catch prey. During the monsoon, the forest becomes dense, making hunting difficult for lions. Therefore, they migrate outside the forest.

In Gujarat, lions easily find pets in the areas surrounding the forest. The lion is primarily a grassy or open forest animal. It does not like dense bushes. Therefore, it is seen in the open during the monsoon.

What does the Bhagavad Gomandal say about the lion?
A ferocious animal. The Puranas state that this ferocious breed was born from the womb of Shardula, the daughter of Krodhavasha. Being the most powerful, generous, and honorable of all animals, it is known as the King of the Jungle or the King of Beasts. Yes. This animal is found in the hot forests of Iran, India, and Africa.
It is also known as Mrigendra, Panchasya, Haryaksha, Kesari, Chitrakaray, Mrigadvisha, Hari, Mrigaripu, Mrigadrishti, Mrigashan, Pundrik, Panchanakh, Kanthirva, Mrigpa. It is also known as T, Panchanan, and Pallabhaksh. Lions were also present in ancient Greece and Macedonia. They lived in Iran and Mesopotamia. North and Central India also echoed with their roars. In 1822 AD, they were scattered in Punjab. They were also not unknown in North Rohilkhand and around Rampur. In 1847 AD, their population was recorded in the forests of Sagar and Narmada. Hunting can be heard just 80 miles upstream from Allahabad. A century ago, lions were seen in significant numbers in Central India and Gujarat. By 1830 AD, they were found along the borders of Ahmedabad, Abu, and Deesa. The last lion death in Deesa was recorded in 1870 AD. In Saurashtra, the areas of Dhrangghara, Jasdan, Chotila, and the Alekh and Barda hills from East Gir to West Girnar were full of lion habitats. Now, they are found throughout Asia and Africa. In Asia, they are found only in Saurashtra, and that too only in Gir. The Gir Forest is the 20-25 mile radius around Girnar. The last population count was conducted in 500 square miles of this very Gir forest. According to that count, there were only 212 lions in Saurashtra (currently 523). Experts are hired to conduct lion counts, gathering all the necessary information about the lions, lionesses, and their cubs, including their habitats, hunting grounds, resting areas, and drinking areas. The Gir lion’s coat is generally not as long as that of the African lion. Lions from both continents are roughly similar in size. The tallest Gir lion ever recorded measured 9 feet 7 inches, while the African lion is 10 feet 7 inches tall. The people of Gir believe that there are two types of lions: short and long-bodied. The long-bodied lions are called Veliya or Velar, and the long-bodied lions are called Gadhiya. Furthermore, the Nes people have named the animals around them based on their color and call, such as Ratdo, Masio, Khankharo, etc. Young lions have spotted and striped colors. These spots and stripes suggest that the animal’s ancestors may have been a coloration between a leopard’s blaze and a tiger’s stripes. These markings fade with age. Male cubs have long hair on their necks, which grows as they age. When a lion is six years old, it reaches full maturity, and its mane continues to grow until then. After twenty-five years, it begins to show signs of aging. Its lifespan is estimated to be 30 to 40 years. It is brown in color, has a strong build, a slow, limited gait, a roar-like call, and a ferocious and serious temperament. Its large neck and head give it the name Dalmato. The long hair on its neck is called a mane. Its long tail has a tuft of hair at the end. Known since ancient times, this animal once lived in Greece, throughout Africa, and South Asia. However, it now lives in East Africa, Mesopotamia, and Iran, as well as in the Gir forests of Saurashtra in India. Lions are divided into two groups: Asian and African. The Sorath lion is considered a unique breed of lion worldwide. The Asiatic lion’s coat is light at the tips and black at the tips when fully grown. Senegalese lions lack manes. From nose to tail, a lion measures over nine feet long and weighs approximately 500 pounds. Females are about a foot shorter than males. Both have a black tuft of hair at the end of their tails, which has a hard, horn-like spike. The lion is called Sher Babar in Hindi, Kamal Tag in Gujarat, and Savaj in Sorath. Although it is very strong and courageous, and can easily jump through tight spaces, it is not as agile as a tiger. Furthermore, its habit of attacking in the open and always following the main road makes it very easy for predators. It rests in cool shade throughout the day, and when it wakes up in the morning and goes out in search of prey, it roars. Its roaring time is primarily in the evening and early morning, although it can also be heard roaring at night. Its roar is very loud and deep, like thunder. There is no specific breeding season, but in most parts of Gir, lions and lionesses mate in October and November, and lionesses give birth to cubs in January and February. Cubs born during the rainy season do not survive long due to harsh weather and food shortages. Lionesses reach puberty at two and a half to three years of age and give birth during that time. Their gestation period is approximately four months. Lionesses give birth to two cubs at a time, but sometimes one cub is seen growing up. There is a gap of at least one or two years between the births of two cubs. Within a year, the cubs’ milk teeth fall off and the remaining teeth begin to grow. The lion also takes full part in raising the cubs and provides for the entire family. A hybrid species called the liger has also been produced from the mating of a lion and a tiger. https://allgujaratnews.in/gj/300-lions-out-of-the-forest-in-monsoon/

Rupani, who used the Anandiben-Anar land scam worth Rs 900 crore to gain power, has turned the investigation into a trap. Is.

આનંદીબેન-અનારના 900 કરોડના જમીન કૌભાંડને સત્તા માટે સિડી બનાવનારા રૂપાણીએ તપાસનું ફિડલું વાળી દીધું

Lions were sent from Gujarat to Kuno Forest, but 24 villages were destroyed.
September 2, 2024

In the forest of Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh. It’s been 23 years since the villages, mostly Saharia tribal and Dalit families, were evicted from their homes to make way for the lions. But the lions haven’t left Gujarat yet. There are 24 villages, including Payra. This is an example of how ruthless Gujarat’s political leaders, including Narendra Modi, are.

Writer – Preeti David
Editor – P. Shantinath

The lions were coming. And from as far as Gujarat. And everyone else was going to leave to facilitate their entry. And even though villages like Payra, located inside Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, don’t know how they will cope, it was a good idea.

Speaking to us in Agra village, outside Kuno Park, Raghu Lal Jatav, 70-72 years old, says, “After these lions arrive, this area will become famous. We will get jobs as Bhomias. We will be able to run shops and eateries in the surrounding area. Our families will prosper.”

Raghu Lal says, “We will get good quality land with irrigation facilities, all-weather roads, electricity for the entire village, and all civic amenities.”

“The government assured us of this,” he says.

And so, the people of Payra and about 1,600 families from 24 villages evacuated their homes in Kuno National Park. They were mostly Saharia tribals, Dalits, and poor OBCs. They were hurriedly evicted.

Tractors were brought in, and the forest dwellers hurriedly abandoned their existing homes, along with the things they had accumulated over generations. Primary schools, hand pumps, wells, and the land they had cultivated for generations were all abandoned. Even the animals had to leave. Because the lack of necessary resources for grazing in the forest would increase the burden on the animals for fodder.

Sitting on a cot outside his son’s house, Raghu Lal says, “The government lied to us and deceived us.” Now his anger has subsided. They are tired of waiting for the government to fulfill its promises. Thousands of poor, marginalized people like Raghu Lal, a Dalit, have lost their land, their homes, and their livelihoods.

But Raghu Lal’s loss was not Kuno National Park’s gain. No one got their share of the lions. Not even the lions themselves. They never came.

Lions once roamed the forests of Central, North, and Western India. However, today Asiatic lions (Panthera leo leo) are found only in the Gir Forests and the vast plains surrounding the Gir Forests in the Saurashtra Peninsula region of Gujarat, covering 30,000 square kilometers. Less than six percent of that area—1,883 square kilometers—represents their last safe haven. This is a matter of great concern for wildlife biologists and conservationists.

The 674 Asiatic lions recorded here are listed as endangered by the IUCN, the world’s largest conservation agency. Wildlife researcher Dr. Fayaz A. Khudsar points to the grave threat they face. He says, “Conservation biology clearly states that a small population (of a species) is at risk of extinction if it becomes confined to a single location.”

Khudsar cites the many threats facing lions, including the spread of canine distemper virus, forest fires, climate change, local rebellions, and more. He says these threats could quickly decimate this endangered species. This would be a nightmare for India, as lions are featured heavily on our official national emblems and seals.

Khudsar emphasizes that there is no other option for additional habitat for lions than Kuno. As he says: “It is important to reintroduce some lions to their former geographic range to promote genetic convergence.”

The translocation plan was formulated around 1993-95. Under this scheme, some lions were to be moved from Gir to Kuno, 1,000 km away. Dr. Yadavendradev Jhala, head of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), says that out of a list of nine possible locations, Kuno was the most suitable for this plan.

WII is the technical branch of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and state wildlife departments. The institute has played a key role in the rehabilitation of tigers in Sariska and Panna, gaur in Bandhavgarh, and barasingha in Satpura.

Conservation scientist Dr. Ravi Chellam says, “The sheer size of Kuno [approximately 6,800 sq km of surrounding habitat], the low level of human interference, and the absence of major highways through it all made it an ideal location for lion translocation.” He has been tracking the movements of these powerful mammals for four decades.

Among other positive factors, he adds: “The good quality and diversity of habitat—grasslands, bamboo, patches of wet horticultural land. And then there are the large, perennial tributaries of the Chambal [River] and a wide variety of prey species. All of this made the sanctuary ready to welcome lions.”

But first, thousands of people had to visit Kuno Sanctuary. They will have to be relocated. They were relocated and resettled miles away from the forests they depended on in just a few years.

Twenty-three years ago, but the lions have still not been seen.

The first sign of relocation for the people of 24 villages within Kuno came in 1998. At that time, the forest guards began talking about turning the sanctuary into a national park—one without humans.

Mangu, a 40-42-year-old tribal, one of the displaced people, asks, “We said we lived with lions [before]. We also lived with tigers and other animals, so why are we being removed [from here]?”

In early 1999, without taking the villagers into confidence, the Forest Department began clearing large tracts of land outside Kuno’s boundaries. Trees were cut down, and J.C. The land was leveled with a Bamford Excavator (JCB).

J.S. Chauhan says, “This relocation was voluntary; I personally supervised it.” In 1999, he was the District Forest Officer of Kuno. He is now the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden of Madhya Pradesh.

To make the bitter memories of relocation even sweeter, each family was told that their unit would receive two hectares of cultivable and irrigated land. All male members over the age of 18 would also be entitled to this land. Additionally, they would receive Rs. 38,000 to build a new house and Rs. 2,000 to move their belongings. They were assured that all civic amenities would be available in their new villages.

And then the Palpur police station was closed. Syed Merajuddin, 43, a young social worker working in the area at the time, says, “People were worried about the bandits in the area.”

Host villages were neither informed about the arrivals nor compensated for the restrictions on entry into the now-flattened forests.

Watch the video: The people of Kuno: Left homeless for the lions that never came
The summer of 1999 arrived. As people were preparing to sow their next crop, instead of sowing, the residents of Kuno began migrating. They came to Agra and its surrounding areas and made their homes in ramshackle huts made of blue polythene. They would live there for the next two to three years.

“Initially, the Revenue Department didn’t recognize the displaced people as the new owners of the land, and therefore, documents weren’t issued,” says Merajuddin. “It took another 7-8 years for other departments like Health, Education, and Irrigation to begin working.” He became the secretary of the Aadharshila Shiksha Samiti, a non-profit organization that works with the displaced community in the Agra host village and runs a school for them.

When asked to comment on unfulfilled promises even after 23 years, PCCF Chauhan admits, “Village rehabilitation is not the Forest Department’s job. Only if the government takes responsibility for relocation can the displaced people receive full benefits simultaneously. All departments should reach out to the people. This is our duty.”

Thousands of people from 24 displaced villages arrived in Umri, Agra, Arod, Chentikheda, and Deori villages in Vijaypur tehsil of Sheopur district. The host villages were neither informed about the influx of displaced people nor about the ban on entry into the now-depleted forests, nor were they given any compensation.

Ram Dayal Jatav and his family settled in the Jatav town of Payra, outside Agra, in June 1999. Residents of Payra, now part of Kuno Park, still regret this decision. “The resettlement has done us no good. We have faced and continue to face many difficulties. Even today, our wells have no water, our fields are unfenced. We have to bear high medical expenses, and finding jobs is difficult. Besides, there are many other problems.” “They only did good for the animals, they did nothing good for us,” he says, his voice trailing off.

Raghu Lal Jatav says the biggest blow is the loss of identity: “It’s been 23 years and we haven’t received anything we were promised, even our own independent Gram Sabhas have been merged with the existing Gram Sabhas here.”

He is fighting against the merger of 24 villages, including his own, Payra. According to Raghu Lal, when the new Gram Panchayat was formed in 2008, Payra lost its revenue village status. The residents were then included in the existing Panchayats of four towns. “This way, we lost our (independent) Panchayat.”

PCCF Chauhan says this is a pain he has tried to heal. “I have spoken to many people in the government to get the displaced people their own Panchayats back,” he says. “I tell them [government departments], ‘You shouldn’t have done this.’ I tried this year as well.”

Without their own (independent) panchayats, the displaced face a difficult legal and political battle to make their voices heard (as stakeholders).

Mangu Adivasi says that after being displaced, “The doors of the forest have closed for us. Earlier, we used to sell grass as fodder, but now, forget about selling it, we can’t even find grass to feed our cows.” Now, there are no pastures, no firewood, no wooded forests for animals.

Social scientist Prof. Asmita Kabra looks at this dilemma. Ishaan says: “People were forced to leave their homes because the Forest Department was worried about the loss of their animals [due to the arrival of lions]. But in the end, the animals had to be left behind because there was no grazing land for them (outside the forest).”

As land was cleared for cultivation, the tree line receded. “Now we have to travel 30-40 km to get firewood for fuel. We may have food grains to eat, but no wood to cook it.”

Geeta, now 52 and 53, and Harjania, now 62 and 63, were both very young when they got married and left their home in Karahal tehsil of Sheopur to live in the sanctuary. “[Now] we have to go to the hills to collect firewood,” says Geeta. “It takes up our entire day, and the Forest Department often stops us. So we have to be careful.”

Kabra recalls that in their haste to resolve things, the Forest Department trampled precious trees and bushes. “The loss of biodiversity was never accounted for,” says the social scientist, who has a PhD on displacement, poverty, and livelihood security in and around Kuno. He is considered a well-known conservation and displacement expert in the region.

Losing the opportunity to collect gum and resin from pine and other trees is a major blow. Pine gum sells for 200 rupees in the local market, and most families could collect about 4-5 kg ​​of resin. “Like tendu leaves [from which beedis are made], various types of gum resins were also available in abundance,” says Kedar. “Similarly, vine, pickles, mahua, honey, and tubers were also available (in abundance). These provided for our food and clothing needs. We could buy five kg of rice with one kg of gum.”

Now, many tribals like Kedar’s mother, Kungai, who own only a few bighas of rain-fed land in Aharwani, are forced to migrate to the cities of Morena and Agra for work each year. They work on construction sites for a few months each year. “During bad weather, when there’s no agricultural work here, 10 or 20 of us go (in search of work),” says Kungai, 52 or 53 years old.

On August 15, 2021, Prime Minister Modi announced ‘Project Lion’ in his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort. He said the project would “secure the future of Asiatic lions in the country.”

In 2013, Prime Minister Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat when the Supreme Court ordered the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to relocate the lions. The court had stated that the lions should be relocated “within six months from today,” and the reason for this was the same as the speech from the ramparts: to secure the future of Asiatic lions in the country. Since then, there has been no response as to why the Gujarat government failed to comply with the court’s order and relocate some lions to Kuno.

The Gujarat Forest Department’s website also lacks any information about this relocation. And in 2019, a press release from the MoEFCC announced funding of ₹97.85 crore for the ‘Asiatic Lion Conservation Project,’ but it only mentioned the state of Gujarat.

April 15, 2022, marks nine years since the Supreme Court’s decision during a 2006 public interest litigation hearing filed by a Delhi-based organization. The PIL sought “direction to the Gujarat government to relocate some of the state’s Asiatic lions to Kuno.”

WII’s Zala said, “Following the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision, an expert committee was formed to oversee the reintroduction of lions to Kuno. However, this expert committee has not met for the past two and a half years. And Gujarat has not approved the action plan.”

On the other hand, Kuno has been selected for the reintroduction of African leopards this year, even though the same Supreme Court decision stated, “The MoEFCC’s order to reintroduce African leopards to Kuno is not valid in the eyes of the law and is set aside.”

According to the 2020 report on Project Lion, conservationists’ dire warnings are coming true. Reports by WII and the governments of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan have expressed deep concern about the situation. The report states that “at least 60 lions have died in the last two years due to the recent outbreak of babesiosis and CDV [canine distemper virus] in Gir.”

“Only human arrogance is preventing translocation,” says wildlife biologist Ravi Chellam, who served as the expert scientific advisor to the Supreme Court’s Forest Bench in deciding the translocation. A conservation scientist and CEO of the Metastring Foundation, Chellam is closely monitoring the lion relocation process and the reasons for the delay.

Chellam is also a member of the Biodiversity Collaborative. “Lions and tigers have gone through a crisis, and now their populations have recovered. But unfortunately, when it comes to conservation, you can never be complacent, especially with endangered species – because the threat is always there. This is a science of constant caution.”

The Mangu tribals joke about losing their homes in Kuno, but there’s no laughter in their voices. They demand the government fulfill its promises or allow them to return. They even received blows to their heads during protests demanding their return. “There were times when we thought we would be able to go back.”

The protest on August 15, 2008, was a last-ditch effort to secure fair compensation. “[Then] we decided we would leave the land we were given and want our old land back,” says Raghu Lal. “We knew there was a law that allowed us to return within 10 years of our eviction.”

Even after losing that opportunity, Raghu Lal didn’t give up and spent his time and money to improve the situation. He has visited the district and tehsil offices numerous times. He even went to the Election Commission in Bhopal to argue his case for an (independent) Panchayat. But nothing changed.

With no political voice, it has become easier to ignore and silence the displaced people. Ram Dayal says, “No one even asked us why we were here, if we had any problems, if we needed anything. No one came here. If we went to the Forest Department office, we couldn’t find any officers. When we did meet them, they assured us they would get our work done immediately. But nothing has happened for the last 23 years.”

Cover photo: Sultan Jatav sits in the place where his family’s old home in Payra once stood, which is no longer a home.

The author thanks journalist Saurabh Chaudhary for his invaluable assistance in the research and translation required for this article.
Translation: Maitreyi Yagnik

કુનોના જંગલમાં ગુજરાતના સિંહ તો મોકલ્યા પણ 24 ગામને બરબાદ કરી દીધા

Two Lion Safaris Approved in Gujarat, 3 Not
August 1, 2024

Two Lion Safaris Approved in Gujarat, 3 Not

Lion Safari Parks in Ahmedabad and near Narmada Dam Not Approved
Dilip Patel
Ahmedabad, August 1, 2024
The Central Government has approved the construction of two new Lion Safari Parks in Junagadh and Kutch. The Central Zoo Authority has approved the Lion Safari near Narayan Sarovar in Kutch and near Una in Gir Somnath district. The total cost of both safari parks is expected to be ₹100 crore. World Lion Day has been celebrated since August 10, 2013. Approval had been granted prior to that. Not only lions, but many other species of wild animals will be kept.

Kutch
According to Principal Chief Conservator Nityanand Srivastava and Kutch’s Chief Conservator of Forests Sandeep Kumar, a lion safari park will be built on 300 hectares of land near Narayan Sarovar. This project is for tourism and a lion breeding center.

Una
Una, near Diu, is an area adjacent to the Gir forest. The lion safari will be built here. Naliya-Mandvi in ​​Una taluka is 8 km from Diu. The announcement was made 9 months ago.

Approval will be sought from the Supreme Court
Both safari parks will be built on 400 hectares of land belonging to the Forest Department. The proposal will be presented to the Supreme Court. Court permission is required to establish a zoo or safari park in the forest.

3 Safari Parks
Currently, there are two safari parks in Junagadh and Amreli Gir. Sakkarbaug Zoo Breeding, Devaliya Safari Park, and Ambardi Safari Park. There is a breeding center near Rajkot. A 28-hectare safari park is being developed near the Randarada Nursery in Rajkot.

Safari Parks
Devaliya Safari Park is located in Junagadh. Gujarat’s second safari park, Dhari, is spread over 4,000 hectares in Ambardi, Gir, 7 kilometers from Amreli.

The Zoo Authority has previously granted permission to the Rajkot Municipal Corporation to build a lion safari on 28 hectares near the Lalpari-Randarada Lake Zoo at a cost of ₹30 crore. The fencing wall has been completed and the tender process is underway.

There is a lion breeding center in Junagadh, Saurashtra. There is another lion breeding center in Rajkot. 50 lions have been born there. The zoo currently houses 12 lions.

Another home is Bardo.
The Wildlife Institute of India has proposed keeping 40 lions in the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary near Porbandar under Project Lion. Some have already been introduced. They can live in the Barda-Alech hills and coastal forests. Lions were last seen in Barda until 1879. The government’s project to relocate lions to the Barda Sanctuary has not been successful. The human population in the Barda area is being relocated.

Public Promise
On October 6, 2018, the government announced the construction of a Lion Safari Park in Ahmedabad, but nothing has happened. During the Wildlife Protection Week program in Vapi, State Forest Minister Raman Patkar announced the introduction of lions to Ahmedabad. Lions are being used as a public attraction.

Five years later, in 2023, it was again announced in Ahmedabad that the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation would build Gujarat’s largest forest safari and biodiversity park on 500 acres. A lion and tiger safari park was to be built near Gyaspur village at a cost of ₹250 crore. Tenders were issued for the dense forest and the appointment of a design and project consultant.

A lion and tiger safari park was to be built in Kevadia, 6 km away, near the Narmada Dam, towards the main canal, on a 100-hectare area. Exhibits were to be similar to those seen at ZSL London Zoo. Animals have been brought to the Kevadia Jungle Safari.

Lions are being maintained on 400 hectares of Forest Department land, 24 km from GIFT City in Gandhinagar. The park’s construction was announced in 2018 by Forest Minister Ganpat Vasava. It was scheduled to open in 2022. Nothing happened.

Popularity
Lion population in 6 years There has been a 30 percent increase.

There were 511 lions in 2015. According to the Poonam Observation Count in 2020, there were 674 lions. In 2022, there were 736 lions. By 2024, the lion population is expected to reach 850.

Migration
1,412 sq km. Lions are migrating from the Gir Forest. They come to Porbandar, Rajkot, Gondal, and Chotila. Therefore, Asiatic lions are settling in areas outside the Gir Forest in Saurashtra. Lions have entered seven districts. It is estimated that there are about 400 lions outside the Gir Sanctuary. As trees grow in Gir, they migrate outside. Therefore, the process of declaring some parts of the Shetrunji River banks near Bhavnagar as a sanctuary is underway.

Deaths
123 lions died in 2020-21, 113 in 2020-22, and 89 in 2022-23.

Virus
23 lions died from canine distemper virus in the Dalkhaniya range, east of Gir. The Forest Minister had not resigned at the time. Lions are likely endangered.

ગુજરાતમાં બે સિંહ સફારી બનાવવા મંજૂરી, 3 ન બન્યા

Coronavirus found in lions for the fourth time, what will happen to the lions of Gir?
June 21, 2021
Coronavirus found in four lions in Tamil Nadu, samples sent to Bhopal, genome sequencing revealed coronavirus infection Chennai Genome sequencing of COVID-19 samples from four lions at the Arignar Anna Biological Park in Vandalur, Tamil Nadu, has revealed that they are infected with the pangolin lineage B.1.617.2 of the coronavirus. The World Health Organization has named this variant ‘Delta.’ The park announced this on Friday. The biological park’s deputy director stated that on May 11 of this year, the WHO had declared the B.1.617.2 variant of the virus as a cause of concern and stated that it is more contagious. On May 24th and 29th, samples from seven lions were sent to the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Health, Bhopal. The institute reported on June 3rd that after testing the samples, some lions were found to be infected. These lions were subsequently treated. The institute conducted genome sequencing of the lions infected with the coronavirus. The results revealed that the lions were infected with the Delta variant. Four samples were sequenced. According to the institute, four lions were infected with the pangolin lineage B.1.617.2, which the World Health Organization has named the virus Delta. It is noteworthy that this year, nine-year-old lioness Neela and 12-year-old lion Padmanathan died from COVID-19.

Genome sequencing of COVID-19 samples from four lions revealed that they were infected with the pangolin lineage B.1.617.2 of the coronavirus. The World Health Organization has named this variant Delta. The park announced this on Friday. The Biological Park’s deputy director explained that on May 11th of this year, the WHO had identified the B.1.617.2 variant of the virus as a concern, stating that it was more contagious.

The World Health Organization has named it the Delta virus. It’s worth noting that this year, nine-year-old lioness Neela and 12-year-old lion Padmanathan died from COVID-19.

The number of lions in Gir and its surrounding 30,000 square kilometers is 674.

After eight lions tested positive for COVID-19 at the Hyderabad Zoo, the Gujarat Forest Department also became alert on May 6, 2021. Therefore, instructions have been issued to monitor lions in all zoos in the state and in the Gir Forest where lions are present. Additionally, zoo staff and Forest Department employees will also undergo RT-PCR testing. This announcement was made, but details of the subsequent developments have not yet been made public.

Rajkot Zoo has 16 lions, 2 plain lions, and 8 white lions. A total of 450 animals, including 10 tigers, crocodiles, leopards, and monkeys, were found. All animals are currently well. None of the animals are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 or other diseases. A team of 28 staff members is conducting regular checkups. They further stated that testing lions and tigers is not easy. They must be sedated and then tested for COVID-19.

The international team stated that to prevent such infections in the future, the sale of animals in wildlife markets should be completely banned.

Pangolins are one of the most trafficked mammals for food and traditional medicine.

Bats are believed to be the original source of the coronavirus, from which it spread to humans through another animal. In a new research paper published in the journal Nature, researchers stated that their genetic data suggests that “greater caution should be exercised with these animals and their sale in markets should be completely banned.”

According to the researchers, more monitoring of pangolins found in the forests of China and Southeast Asia is necessary to understand their role in the spread of the coronavirus and to assess the risk of future human transmission.

How the coronavirus spreads
In some areas of China, a flying bat released remnants of the coronavirus from its tail, which fell to the ground in the forest. A wild animal, possibly a pangolin, inhaled the virus and spread it to other animals.

An infected animal came into contact with a human, and the human contracted the disease. Subsequently, it spread among workers in wildlife markets, leading to a worldwide spread of the infection.

Attempts are underway to prove that the coronavirus spreads from animals. It is. Professor Andrew Cunningham of the Zoological Society of London says that a chain of events is connecting. He says this discovery resembles a “detective story.”

According to Cunningham, many wild animals could be the source of the coronavirus, but bats in particular are susceptible to a large number of different coronaviruses.

But how much do we know about its transmission? When scientists are able to understand the new virus in the patient’s body, the situation regarding Chinese bats will become clearer.

Mammals are found on every continent. They rarely get sick themselves, but these germs spread very quickly. According to Professor Kate Jonas of University College London (UCL), there is evidence that bats have adapted in many cases. “When bats get sick, they are exposed to a large number of viruses,” he says. “There’s no doubt that the bat’s way of life is good for viruses.”

Professor Jonathan Ball of the University of Nottingham says that because they are mammals, they may be able to infect humans directly or through others.

Another puzzle is the identity of the mysterious animal from which the coronavirus infection spread in Wuhan, China. Pangolins are suspected. Pangolins are said to be the most smuggled animal in the world and are on the verge of extinction.

They are in high demand in Asia. They are used in the production of traditional Chinese medicines. Many people also eat their meat with great relish. The coronavirus has been found in pangolins. Some are claiming it resembles a new human virus. Did bat and pangolin viruses exchange genetic information before the infection spread to humans?

Experts have no idea, but they are cautious about jumping to conclusions. The full data from the pangolin study has not yet been released, making it difficult to confirm.

Professor Cunningham says that background information about pangolins and related research is crucial. For example, where the animals were obtained, whether individual animals were obtained from a specific location or from a meat market.

Pangolins and other wild animals, including several species of bats, are sold in meat markets. Professor Cunningham says this is where viruses can spread from one species to another. “Wet markets are a great place for viruses to spread from one species to another,” he says. “Humans can also become infected here.”

This market in Wuhan, China, was closed after the coronavirus outbreak. It had a wildlife section where live animals and their slaughtered meat were sold. Camels, koalas, and birds were also found there.

According to The Guardian, a shop in Wuhan sold meat from wolves, raccoons, scorpions, rats, squirrels, foxes, civets, wild mice, salamanders, turtles, and crocodiles.

As far as we know, bats and pangolins are not listed, but China has information about them.

It’s unknown which animals’ meat was sold there. “If an infection has spread once, you want to know if it will happen again because that’s crucial for health. In such a situation, we need to know what kind of animals are spreading the infection.

In recent years, we’ve been exposed to a variety of viruses: Ebola, HIV, SARS, and now the coronavirus. Professor Jonas says the increase in infectious diseases transmitted by wild animals may also reflect human greed. According to Professor Jonas, humans are interfering with their lives. “The entire environment is changing,” he says. In recent years, the human population has been exposed to new viruses like never before.

“If we understand the causes of the threat, we can control things early on.” This is also important. He says, “Insectivorous bats eat a lot of insects. They eat mosquitoes and crop-damaging insects. Fruit bats, on the other hand, spray pollen on trees and spread their seeds. Obviously, they don’t need to be killed to control the disease.” Coronavirus

Like the current coronavirus, SARS emerged in 2002. During SARS, wildlife markets were also temporarily banned. However, the ban on wild animal markets in China, Vietnam, and other parts of Southeast Asia was soon lifted. China has once again banned the trade in wildlife products. These products are primarily used for food, fur, and traditional medicine. According to media reports, this time the ban may be permanent.

We may never know what exactly is responsible for the spread of this disease and the thousands of deaths. “If we are careful, we can avoid the next dangerous virus,” says Professor Diana Bell of the University of East Anglia. “We are bringing together animals from different countries, different climates, and different lifestyles. We are mixing aquatic creatures and arboreal creatures. We need to stop all of this.”

સિંહોમાં કોરોના વાયરસ ચોથી વખત દેખાયો, ગીરના સિંહોનું શું થશે

Lion poaching gang caught with 20 nets, lioness attacked, this was discovered when
February 6, 2021
Lion
Lion
Smell Srinagar, February 6, 2021

Some people are hunting lions and wild animals in the Gir forest. Some hunters had set traps to hunt wild animals in the Prachiya Khambha revenue area of ​​Sutrapada. A lion cub was trapped in the trap. This is the first such large gang to be caught after 13 years.

A total of 56 people, including 12 children and 8 women, have been detained from various locations in Gir Somnath, Junagadh, and Bhavnagar districts.

Forest department officials issued a red alert throughout the Gir region, suspecting lion poaching.

Searches were conducted at various locations in the forest to apprehend the trappers.

The Forest Department arrested four people on February 5, 2021. Following further investigation, animal traps, meat, and bones were found in Shinhor, Bhavnagar, and Bagdana. With the confiscated items, Forest Department officials arrested a total of 34 people, including 12 children and 8 women.

The poachers had set traps at 20 different locations to hunt wild animals. Therefore, officials discovered these traps.

The Forest Department arrested four people, including Habib Parmar, Aslam Parmar, Rajesh Parmar, and a woman named Mani Parmar. Separate teams were sent to the Gir Forest. Based on mobile location information from villages in the forest, the police detained a total of 25 people, including 12 children, 8 women, and 5 men.

Four people were arrested in Bagdana village in Palitana. Five people were apprehended in the Nari Chowkadi area of ​​Bhavnagar. The Forest Department has arrested a total of 38 people so far.

This gang was hunting foxes, rabbits, and lions to make medicines, oils, and herbs for treating people. Evidence is being sought that they were smuggling lions. No evidence has been found yet.

On February 4, 2021, when a lion cub was trapped in a hunting trap set by migrants living in Sutrapada, its mother lioness attacked and injured a man.

The Forest Department rescued the lion cub from the trap and arrested four people, including a woman.

The Forest Department has issued a red alert. Staff from Gir East-West, Sasan, Porbandar, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, and Morbi ranges have been deployed.

Patrolling has been ordered to protect Gujarat’s wildlife until February 6, 2021. People coming from outside districts and states have been asked to be checked.

People living in riots, houses, and slums are being checked. Those suspected of selling drugs are also being checked. The Greater Gir Task Force has issued instructions for checking public places, including ST stations, bus stands, and railway stations.

A one-year-old lion cub was rescued from a trap in the revenue area after a team of veterinarians was called in. The lion cub’s mother lioness had attacked and injured a 40-year-old man, Habib Shamsher Parmar, in the morning. The man was taken to Junagadh Civil Hospital for treatment, and the hospital informed the police and the Forest Department about the incident.

The injured man and four others, including the woman accompanying him, fled. While en route to Junagadh for treatment via Veraval, the Forest Department apprehended him near Wadla in Junagadh.

He is originally from Madhya Pradesh and is said to be a resident of the Surendranagar police station.

He had been living here for a long time after causing a commotion.

A lion poaching incident occurred in Gir in 2007, and this is the first such incident since then. In 2007, the CID Crime Unit arrested 17 people, including a woman from Madhya Pradesh, who had poached approximately six lions.

DCF Sunil Berwal is the Chief Executive Officer.

The lion cub was shifted to Sasan Animal Care Center for treatment, where it is still undergoing treatment.

સિંહોનો શિકાર કરતી ગેંગ 20 ફાંસલા સાથે ઝડપાઈ, સિંહણે હુમલો કર્યો ત્યારે ખબર પડી

115 lions are caged in Gujarat and 350 elsewhere
December 4, 2020

115 lions have been captured in the Gir region of Gujarat.

Gandhinagar, December 4, 2020

Of the 674 Gir lions, 115 are housed in various zoos and gene pools in Junagadh and surrounding districts of Saurashtra. Approximately 15% of Gujarat’s Asian population is held in zoos and wild cages. It is believed that 350 lions are entertaining people in cages outside Gujarat and abroad. Consequently, a total of 465 Gir lions are kept in cages.

Sakkarbaug Zoo

85 of the 115 lions are kept in cages at the Junagadh Sakkarbaug Zoo. Sakkarbaug Zoo is the only major Gir lion breeding center in the world. More than 7 lions are born here every year. It is known as a coordinating zoo. Lions are given to various zoos across the country under an exchange program. It was established in 1863 on 198 hectares during the reign of the Nawab of the Junagadh State.

A year ago, 30 lions and lionesses from Sakkarbaug were given to other zoos. After that, the number of lions increased to 54. In 2020, this number increased to 85.

Lion Girl
Lions of Gujarat
1,000 Zoos

There are 1,000 large zoos open to the public in the world. Gir lions are sent to them from Sakkarbaug Zoo. It is estimated that 350 such lions live in cages outside Gujarat.

Population 2020

The lion population in 2020 is 674. In 2015, there were 523 lions, an increase of 150 lions in five years. This is the highest number so far. The largest increase is 161 lions, 260 lionesses, 116 adult cubs, and 137 cubs. 240 lion cubs are under two years of age. The population has increased by 28.87 percent. The growth rate from 2010 to 2015 was 27 percent. The animal’s geographic range has increased by 36 percent. 40 percent of lions live outside the forest area. In 2015, 200 of the 532 lions were seen roaming in open areas. Now, 270 lions live outside the forest area in revenue areas.

Area

The Gir Forest covers an area of ​​1,600 square kilometers. In 2015, it was 22,000 square kilometers, and in 2020, it increased to 30,000 square kilometers. Lions were counted. A 36 percent increase was recorded. An area of ​​1,883 square kilometers was reserved for these lions. 125 people were attacked in a year.

In 2014-15, 125 people were injured in lion attacks. Nearly 1,000 animals were killed. However, the people of Gir never attack or kill lions. That is why the lions have survived. A total of 184 lions died between 2016 and 2017. In October-November 2018, 40 lions died due to canine distemper virus (CDV).

Lions rule in Gujarat, tigers only in zoos…!!!

July 30, 2020

It has been learned that Kankaria Zoo has two male and one female tiger. The male tiger is named Pratap, while the female is named Annaya. The third is a white tiger. All of them were brought from Madhya Pradesh. In the last 30 years, a total of eight tigers and tigresses, including Raja, Sangeeta, and Seema, have been brought to Kankaria Zoo. Since 2008, Pratap, Annaya, and the white tigress have made the zoo their home.

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When people are at home due to the coronavirus, these tigers and tigresses roam freely instead of in caves. It’s worth noting that there are nine species of tigers in the world. According to Kankaria Zoo Director RK Sahu, three tiger species—Bali, Javan, and Caspian—have become extinct. While the Siberian, Indian, South China, Malayan, Indo-Chinese, and Sumatran tigers—are still extant. The absence of tigers in Gujarat’s forest areas is due to the zoo’s climate. Gujarat experiences extreme heat, which is not conducive to tiger survival.

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According to Kankaria Zoo Director RK Sahu, tigers prefer to live in water and prefer cool places. They find their own food, which is why they are considered hardworking. Another distinctive feature of tigers is that they never attack from the front; they attack their prey from behind. In 2010, July 29th was declared World Tiger Day. The reason behind this was the declining tiger population. Gujarat has a low tiger population due to poor weather. In India, tiger populations are high only in Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Karnataka.

ગુજરાતમાં સિંહનું રાજ, વાઘ ફક્ત પ્રાણી સંગ્રહાલયમાં જ..!!!

Eight lions entered the town of Rajula and started roaming in the society.
June 15, 2020

Rajula, June 14, 2020

How lions roam freely near a residential area in Rajula, Gujarat. A lion crossing your path like a stray dog ​​is not something you would normally expect in a residential area, but residents of colonies built by cement workers in Rajula taluka of Amreli district are entertaining guests of the late king. One such scene late Friday night will forever be etched in the minds of residents of UltraTech’s Gujarat Cement Company colony in Kovaya, adjacent to Pipavav Port. A burly, powerful male lion decided to raise the excitement level of the people by casually strolling near an ATM kiosk near the entrance of the colony in the dead of night. In fact, a click-savvy resident was lucky enough to capture a video of the wild cat on his mobile phone.

Seven lions attack a farmhouse in Gir, break the fence, and kill a bull
June 13, 2020

Seven lions invaded a farmhouse in Monvel, east of Dhar Gir. They preyed on a bull tied within the farmhouse’s fence. The lions broke through the concrete fence and entered the house to hunt the bull. In the evening, two of the seven lions broke the fence and killed the bull. Gir lions are now gradually entering residential areas.

This was the first incident of a planned hunt by lions. Forest department officials were alerted by the discovery of how seven lions hunted together. Meanwhile, local residents are also terrified. Yesterday, seven lions appeared together on the outskirts of Monvel village. This incident occurred at farmer Kanubhai Kotdiya’s farmhouse, captured on CCTV.

Two lions were seen outside the iron door of a room, while the other lions stood outside to prevent the prey from escaping. However, they were unable to enter. So, like thieves, the lions climbed a 50-foot cement sheet building. They broke the sheets that were blocking their entry. This way, they managed to get inside. Pregnant lionesses killed the bull.

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Lion population increased from 12 to 674 in 140 years
June 11, 2020

Lion population in Gir increased from 523 to 674 in 5 years, a 29% increase, according to unofficial counts.

Gandhinagar, May 11, 2020

Lion habitat has increased by 36%, or 8,000 square kilometers, to 30,000 square kilometers. In the last 30 years, the lion habitat has increased by 23,400 square kilometers. The Asiatic lion population in the Gir forest has increased by 29 percent. Additionally, the forest area has expanded by 36 percent. Since 2001, the lion population has almost doubled, and their footprint has increased fourfold (400 percent). Lion counts are not considered official. When Colonel Watson conducted the census in 1880, only 12 lions were found in Gir. When the Gujarat government conducted its first count in 1968, there were 177 lions.

There are more female lions than male lions here. There are 260 female lions compared to 161 male lions.

There is one lion. The lion population has seen the largest increase so far. In the 2015 census, the number of lions in Gir was 523, which increased to 674 in 2020. The last lion population census was conducted in May 2015, and the total number of lions was 523, including 109 lions, 201 lionesses, 140 lion cubs, and 73 cubs.

Of the total 674, there are 161 males, 260 females, 45 male lions, 49 female lions, 22 unidentified lions, and 137 cubs. The lions’ range, which was 22,000 sq km in 2015, has increased to 30,000 sq km in 2020. The lions were observed from 2 pm on June 5th to 2 pm on June 6th. 1,400 people participated in the exercise, with 13 separate sections being formed.

Two Dozen Lions Die

Officials said that nearly two dozen lions have died from a disease called babesiosis in the past three months. In October-November 2018, 40 lions died from CDV.

Lion Population in 2020

Large Lions

Year Male Female

2015 109 201

2020 161 260

Cubs

2015 140

2020 137

Crown Male Female Unknown

2015 32 28 13

2020 45 49 22

Lion Population Not Considered Official

Lion Population and Distribution Monitoring

Year Population Distribution – sq. km

1990 284 6600

1995 304 10000

2001 327 12000

2005 359 13000

2010 411 20000

2015 523 22000

2020 674 30000

Lion population increased two and a half times in 30 years

Year Lion

1936 287

1950 227

1955 290

1963 285

1968 177

1974 180

1979 205

1985 239

1990 284

1995 304

2001 327

2005 359

2010 411

2015 523

2020 674

In 2020, the first scientific lion census was to be conducted using digital photo analysis and artificial intelligence.

12 Lion Population

When Colonel Watson conducted the census in 1880, only 12 lions were found in Gir. When the Gujarat government conducted the first census in 1968, there were 177 lions. In 1910, there were 411, and in 1915, there were 523. Now there may be more than 1,000.

222 lions died in two years

From 1-6-2017 to 31-5-2019, a total of 222 lions died in the last two years, including 52 lions, 74 lionesses, 90 lion cubs, and 6 cubs.

The 2015 census in Gujarat recorded a lion population of 523. The previous census in 2010 showed a lion population of 411. Compared to 411 in 2010, the lion population in 2015 increased by 112, or 27 percent.

In 2015, 268 lions were recorded in Junagadh district, 44 lions in Gir Somnath district, 174 lions in Amreli district, and 37 lions in Bhavnagar district. While lion censuses are conducted every five years, Gujarat will now conduct a lion census in 2020. 70 radio collars have been imported from Germany for monitoring. This represents a 27 percent increase compared to 2010, with 109 adult lions, 201 lionesses, and 213 cubs found, bringing the total number to 523.

Outside Gir Forest – Greater Gir

The lion habitat has expanded from the Gir Sanctuary and Gir National Park to nine to ten districts in Saurashtra. Greater Gir includes Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Porbandar districts.

The Gir Forest has a lion capacity of approximately 250. There are two and a half times more lions here than before. In 1965, the Gir Sanctuary’s area was 1,153 km2; in 1975, the Gir National Park’s area was 258 sq km. The Gir Forest’s sanctuary area currently covers 1,412 sq km, while the forest’s total area is 22,000 sq km. As the lion population increased, they began venturing out of the wild and into human habitats. Mitiala was declared a sanctuary in 2004, and Girnar in 2008. The current lion population is 600.

222 Deaths

Over the past two years, 222 lions have died in the state, 23 of which were unnatural deaths. Of the lions who died in two years, 90 were cubs who died in fights or due to low survival rates. The average lion mortality rate is approximately 10% of the population. A CVD epidemic in September-October 2018 killed 100 lions. However, the lion population was over 700.

In 2015, there were 523 lions, which is expected to double this time. The lion count will be conducted in May 2020. The lion population is expected to reach 1,100 to 1,200. Forest department beat guards regularly count lions. This estimate is based on lion footprints seen in seven districts. Two lions were also spotted in Deduki village, 20 km from Chotil in Surendranagar.

500 lions have been micro-chipped.

The number of lions with micro-chips has increased to 500. There is strong evidence that their population is increasing. Another 150 lions aged 3 to 13 years have not been captured. If we add the 400 lions younger than 3 years and older than 13 years, This figure exceeds 1,000. The exact number of lions is not disclosed to avoid public fear, fear of being taken out of Gujarat, and pressure from groups. https://allgujaratnews.in/gj/in-140-years-the-population-of-12-lions-increased-to-674-in-gujarat/

Another slap in the face for Gujarat – spending Rs. 2 lakh per year on a lion and Rs. 11 lakh per tiger
March 16, 2020

Gandhinagar, March 16, 2020

Corporate politician Parimal Nathwani has exposed Narendra Modi’s double standards. Even though Narendra Modi was made Prime Minister by Gujarat, he has consistently been unfair to Gujarat. While serving as Chief Minister, he repeatedly demanded from Manmohan Singh to provide adequate funds for the Gir lions. But after Modi became Prime Minister, he is criticizing Gujarat for funding the Gir lions. This is what the Reliance director heard after asking questions.

Spending on a Lion

In the last three years, the central government has provided ₹1.1 million for the Gir lions. ₹1,010.42 crore has been spent on 2,967 tigers and ₹32 crore for 523 lions. ₹611,854 has been spent on one lion in three years. This amounts to ₹2 lakh per year. Adding the Gujarat government’s expenditure, it comes to ₹6 lakh. Thus, the Gujarat government is spending ₹8 lakh per lion.

Spending on a Tiger

The same is true for tigers. Governments are spending 5.50 times more on tigers than on lions. ₹34,05,527 has been spent on one tiger. The government spends ₹1.1 million annually, which is more than what it spends on humans.

More money spent on tigers than on lions

Under the central government-sponsored Wildlife Habitat Development Scheme, the central government has allocated ₹1,010.42 crore for Project Tiger and ₹1,010.42 crore for Project Tiger. In the last three years, ₹32 crore has been spent on Asiatic lions. A total of ₹1,042 crore has been spent.

The central government provided ₹49.8 million, ₹55.9 million, and ₹21.42 million for the conservation of Asiatic lions in Gujarat in 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19, respectively, under the Wildlife Habitat Development Scheme. During the same period, the central government provided ₹342.25 million, ₹345 million, and ₹323.17 million under Project Tiger. Revealing Modi’s policy, Nathwani said, “The funds allocated for lion breeding do not include funds provided by the Gujarat government. The state government recently approved ₹350 crore to implement long-term lion breeding activities in the state. However, the central government needs to provide more funds for Asiatic lion breeding because they are found only in Gir and Gujarat, while tigers are found in many states in India and several Asian countries.”

₹98 crore allocation for lions

As part of the recovery program to save the critically endangered species, the Asiatic Lion Conservation Project was launched under the Central Government-sponsored Wildlife Habitat Development Scheme’s Asiatic Lion Conservation Project with an allocation of ₹97.85 crore for three years, from 2018-19 to 2020-21. Tigers outnumber lions.

Lion numbers increased by 45.68 percent from 359 in 2005 to 523 in 2015, while tiger numbers increased by 73.91 percent in the last three censuses, from 1,706 in 2010 to 2,967 in 2018. Thus, the tiger population has outnumbered lions. This is a major setback for the BJP and Narendra Modi, who have ruled Gujarat for 25 years.

Assistance for Human Poaching

₹5 lakh (₹5 lakh) is provided for human death or permanent disability, ₹2 lakh (₹2 lakh) for serious injury, and ₹25,000 (₹500,000) for minor injury. The state or union territory governments will bear the cost of property/crop damage.

Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Babul Supriyo provided some information in the Rajya Sabha on March 16, 2020, in response to Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani.

ગુજરાતને વધુ એક થપ્પડ – એક સિંહ પાછળ વર્ષ રૂ.2 લાખ અને વાઘ પાછળ 11 લાખ ખર્ચ

Lions unsafe, 850 crimes of violence against animals reported in Gir
December 19, 2019

850 crimes of violence against animals reported in 13 years in Gir, a habitat for lions

The incident of burning a python alive in Anand has shocked the entire Gujarat. In Gujarat, 184 lions died in two years, 2018 and 2019. Following this, the Gujarat High Court took notice of the lion deaths and sought information on what efforts were being made to protect lions in the state. As a result, the state government, awakened from its slumber, has now taken action. However, Junagadh has now become a very sensitive area for wild animals. Junagadh is the site of the highest number of crimes in the entire state of Gujarat. Since the enactment of a stricter law in 2002, crimes involving harassment or hunting of wild animals have become more serious across the state in the last 13 years. Of the total 1,800 crimes registered to date, 852 have occurred in Junagadh. This statistic demonstrates the threat to the Gir Forest and lions. Thus, Junagadh is a highly sensitive area in the entire state of Gujarat.

Crime registration is conducted under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act to prevent illegal hunting of wild animals, the trade of their meat and skins. Since the implementation of the new, stringent Wildlife Protection Act, 2002, stricter punishments have been provided for offenders. Its purpose is to protect wild animals, birds, and trees.

Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 have been created to protect wild animals. Animals listed in Schedule 1 face stricter punishment. Schedule 3 and Schedule 4—these laws also protect wild animals. The punishment for hunting animals and birds listed in these lists has been reduced.

If animals listed in Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 are hunted, the punishment is a minimum of three to seven years in prison, with a fine of ₹10,000 to ₹5 million.

The fine for hunting can be up to ₹5 million.

Schedule 1 includes 43 wild animals. This list includes animals ranging from pigs to various deer, monkeys, bears, chinkaras, leopards, wolves, jackals, dolphins, wild cats, reindeer, large lizards, pangolins, rhinoceroses, and other animals found in the Himalayas. Part II of Schedule I includes many aquatic insects and reptiles. This schedule has four parts.

There is a provision for punishment for hunting wild animals included in Schedule II. Part I of this list includes various monkeys, langurs, wild dogs, and Kachinda. Part II of the list includes animals including Agnotrachus andrewsi, Amara fusi, Amara elegansula, Brachinus actriponil, and many others.

Wildlife Crime Cases by Circle

Year Junagadh Kutch Junagadh Total (with all circles)

2001-02 21 14 34 81

2002-03 34 12 34 112

2003-04 22 12 55 129

2004-05 27 27 39 157

2005-06 20 16 26 109

2006-07 32 14 24 123

2007-08 57 12 36 165

2008-09 53 14 53 192

2009-10 42 9 32 198

2010-11 35 9 13 139

2011-12 14 24 25 128

2012-13 41 30 31 167

2013-14 20 19 32 120

Total Crimes 418 212 434 1820

Circle-wise Crimes Against Wildlife from 2001 to 2013

200 Gandhinagar

129 Valsad

112 Surat

82 Vadodara (W)

71 Mehsana

40 Ahmedabad

38 Bharuch

37 Vadodara

36 Rajkot

2 Jamnagar

9 North Gujarat

https://allgujaratnews.in/gj/%e0%aa%b8%e0%aa%bf%e0%aa%82%e0%aa%b9-%e0%aa%85%e0%aa%b8%e0%ab%81%e0%aa%b0%e0%aa%95%e0%ab%8d%e0%aa%b7%e0%aa%bf%e0%aa%a4-%e0%aa%97%e0%aa%b0%e0%aa%ae%e0%aa%be%e0%aa%82-850-%e0%aa%97%e0%ab%81/

Despite lion deaths, population count exceeds 1,000 in May
December 12, 2019

State Wildlife Board The 18th meeting of the Forest Department was held in which the Forest Department will conduct a scientific census. For the first time in 2020, artificial intelligence will be used in the lion census. Lion censuses are conducted every five years in the state. The last lion census was conducted in May 2015.

A bear sanctuary will be established along with lions for wildlife tourism. In 2020, lion censuses will be conducted scientifically for the first time using digital photo analysis and artificial intelligence.

The last lion census was conducted in May 2015, and a total of 523 lions were counted, including 109 lions, 201 lionesses, 140 lion cubs, and 73 cubs.

Counting 12 Lions

When Colonel Watson conducted the census in 1880, only 12 lions were found in Gir. When the Gujarat government first conducted a census in 1968, there were 177 lions. In 1910, there were 411 lions and in 1915, there were 523.

222 lions died in two years

From 1-6-2017 to 31-5-2019, a total of 222 lions died in the last two years, including 52 lions, 74 lionesses, 90 lion cubs, and 6 cubs.

The 2015 census in Gujarat showed a lion population of 523. The previous census in 2010 had 411 lions. The 2015 lion population increased by 112, or 27 percent, compared to 411 in 2010.

In 2015, 268 lions were recorded in Junagadh district, 44 lions in Gir Somnath district, 174 lions in Amreli district, and 37 lions in Bhavnagar district. Lion censuses are conducted every five years, but now Gujarat will conduct a lion census in 2020. 70 radio collars have been imported from Germany for monitoring. This represents a 27 percent increase compared to 2010, with 109 adult lions, 201 lionesses, and 213 cubs found, bringing the total number to 523.

Outside Gir Forest – Greater Gir

The lion area has expanded from the Gir Sanctuary and Gir National Park to nine to ten districts in Saurashtra. Greater Gir includes Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Porbandar districts.

The Gir Forest has a lion capacity of approximately 250, and there are two and a half times more lions here. In 1965, the Gir Sanctuary covered 1,153 km2; in 1975, the Gir National Park covered 258 sq km2. The Gir Forest Sanctuary currently covers 1,412 sq km2, while the forest area is 22,000 sq km2. As the lion population increased, they began venturing out of the forest into human habitats. Mitiyala was declared a sanctuary in 2004, and Girnar in 2008. The current lion population is 600.

222 Deaths

In the last two years, 222 lions died in the state, 23 of them due to unexplained causes. Of the lions who died in two years, 90 were cubs killed in fights or due to low survival rates. The average lifespan of a lion is 10 years. The death rate is approximately 10% of the population. The CVD epidemic that spread in September-October 2018 killed 1,000 people. However, the number of lions was more than 700.

How many lions died in which year?

Year Deaths

2009-10 45

2010-11 44

2011-12 37

2012-13 48

2014-15 54

2016-17 104

2017-18 80

2018-19

Double increase

2 There were 523 lions in 2015, a figure expected to double this time. The lion count will be conducted in May 2020. The lion count is expected to be 1,100 to 1,200. Forest department range guards regularly count them. This estimate is based on lion movements observed in seven districts. Two lions were also sighted in Deduki village, 20 km from Chottil in Surendranagar.

500 lions have been microchipped

The number of lions microchipped has increased to 500. There is strong evidence that their population has increased. Another 150 lions aged 3 to 13 years old have not been captured. If we add the approximately 400 lions under 3 years old and over 13 years old, the figure exceeds 1,000.

The exact number of lions has not been disclosed to avoid public fear and pressure from groups that they might be taken out of Gujarat.

https://allgujaratnews.in/gj/%e0%aa%b8%e0%aa%bf%e0%aa%82%e0%aa%b9%e0%ab%8b%e0%aa%a8%e0%aa%be-%e0%aa%ae%e0%ab%8b%e0%aa%a4-%e0%aa%9b%e0%aa%a4%e0%aa%be%e0%aa%82-%e0%aa%b5%e0%aa%b8%e0%aa%a4%e0%aa%ab%80-1-%e0%aa%b9%e0%aa%9c%e0%aa%be/
The Singh family has made Sanosara Panthak in Bhavnagar their new home, causing both curiosity and fear among the people of the area.
November 19, 2019

Ahmedabad, 18 November: The Gir Forest in Gujarat is world-famous for its Asiatic lions. The lion population in this Gir region is increasing, leading to lions leaving the Gir Forest and relocating to the Greater Gir region. A family of lions, having left the Gariadhar area, has made Sanosara Panthak in Bhavnagar their new home, sparking both curiosity and fear among the residents. Sandeep Kumar, DCF of the Bhavnagar Forest Department, confirmed this information. He also stated that 60 to 66 lions live in the Bhavnagar district. In addition to Asiatic lions, the Gir Forest in Gujarat is world-famous for its leopard-like habitat. The lion population has been increasing here for some time, leading to lions migrating from the Gir Forest to find territory. Lions are leaving the Gir Forest and establishing their new home in Greater Gir and surrounding areas. The lions have moved along the banks of the Shetrunji River and reached Jesar and Palitana in Bhavnagar district.

Equally, lions living in the Liliya and Krankach areas of Amreli district are also searching for their homes, with some reaching Lathi. Other lions have traveled along the Shetrunji River, passing through Surnagar, Samadhiyala, and Sandhida, and have reached Sanosara Lokbharati on the Bhavnagar-Rajkot road.

According to information received from local residents, a lion and three lionesses have made their home in the hilly areas between Sanosara Lokbharati and Sandhida for the past month. At night, the lions and lionesses are coming towards the populated areas in search of food, causing fear and panic among the people. They may have moved beyond Gariadhar: DCF Sandeep Kumar…

Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) of the Bhavnagar Forest Department, Sandeep Kumar, confirmed this, saying that lion populations exist in Mahuva, Jesar, Palitana, Gariadhar, Talaja, and Sihor Panthak in Bhavnagar district. Therefore, it can be assumed that the lions seen between Sanosara and Sandhida may have come from Gariadhar or Sihor Basin.

60 to 66 lions in Bhavnagar district…

While lions are leaving the Gir Forest, they have entered Bhavnagar district along the banks of the Shetrunji River. Currently, lion populations are being seen in the coastal areas of Palitana, Jesar, Mahuva, Sihor, and Gariadhar talukas of Bhavnagar district. Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bhavnagar, stated that a population of 60 to 66 lions has been observed in the Mahuva, Jesar, Palitana, Singhor, and Gariadhar areas of Bhavnagar district. One lion, once resident in the Thala area of ​​Sehore, is attempting to leave its territory and establish a new one. https://allgujaratnews.in/gj/%e0%aa%b8%e0%aa%bf%e0%aa%82%e0%aa%b9-%e0%aa%aa%e0%aa%b0%e0%aa%bf%e0%aa%b5%e0%aa%be%e0%aa%b0%e0%aa%ab%87-%e0%aa%ad%e0%aa%be%e0%aa%b5%e0%aa%a8%e0%aa%97%e0%aa%b0%e0%aa%a8%e0%aa%be-%e0%aa%b8%e0%aa%a3/

Lady Tarzan Rasila Rescues Lions
November 16, 2019

A rescue team has been formed to care for and protect animals in Sasan Gir National Park. If you ask Rasila, the rescue officer in this team, to go to the forest in the morning, afternoon, or at night, she will abandon any important task and go to rescue her beloved animals. Her job and hobby is to care for injured, sick, or trapped animals in the forest. Rasila, an adventurer, has rescued over 1,100 wild animals from difficult situations. This number exceeds the number of rescue missions of any wildlife park in the world.

In 2019, she went on several rescue operations with her nine-month-old son. This brave woman from Gir, Gujarat, is known as the Lioness of Gir. Rasila has earned the title of Lady Tarzan. From 2008 to 2013, she conducted 17 rescue operations, released 390 wild animals, and treated 100 wild animals.

The rescue team is responsible for rescuing and providing medical treatment to injured animals and humans in an area of ​​1,800 square kilometers. The team is tasked with ensuring that no lion is injured and that its wounds are treated before they become fatal. The first batch of 51 female forest guards was appointed in 2007. No woman has held this post since the rescue department was formed in 1997.

Rasila, who at a young age Rasila, who lost her father in 1998, was educated by her mother through odd jobs. She is a Hindi graduate from Saurashtra University. In 2007, she received two government job offers: one as a rescue officer in Gir National Park and the other with the State Reserve Police Force. Her love for animals led her to accept the job.

She first saw a lion on a hill with thorns stuck to its neck. These had to be removed. The lion had become weak and unable to eat. Her team arrived at the forest around 4:00 pm to rescue the lion. The thorns could only be removed by placing it in a cage. A child was placed in the cage, and the lion took a stick from the cage and hit Rasila on the head, causing her to fall. The lion fled.

They searched for the lion all night and finally, at 5:00 am, placed it in a cage and removed the thorns from its neck. The first rescue operation was a success. She had found a new direction.

Brave Rasila has rescued over 1,100 wild animals from difficult situations, including pythons, crocodiles, birds, monkeys, and leopards and lions. Living with wild animals is like holding death in one’s hands. Treating animals with love makes them friends. Leopards are easily tamed, while monkeys are difficult to catch. They will snatch the sticks from our hands and start beating us. If they suddenly approach and slap us, they will sometimes even pull out a gun and glare at us.

Wild animals are not afraid of specially constructed cages. They come to cages to eat easily available prey, after which they are properly treated and released into the wild. Therefore, lions and leopards come into cages with trust.

Along with sports, chess, and photography, he is the winner of numerous awards and has been honored numerous times. He is always ready to work for a simple life, high ideals, and an unstoppable love for animals.

At the age of 28, Forest Guard Rasila, along with other female guards, completed 600 rescue missions. The lives and missions of these female forest guards of Gir were covered in the Discovery Channel series “The Lion Queens of India.”

Assigned to the position of Head of the Rescue Department

Rasila Vadher, 33, now heads the rescue department at Gir National Park. She is the first woman in the department. Over 700 rescue operations are carried out annually in four districts: Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, and Amreli.

In 2008, Vadher was assigned a back-office position in the Forest Department. But because she loved working among lions, she chose the 24-hour field job of a forest guard. In 11 years, Rasila Vadher has rescued 1,100 wild animals. Prior to this, she was promoted to Sanctuary Inspector. She now heads the rescue department. She supervises all rescue operations. As lions increasingly come closer to human settlements, rescuing a larger area is a challenge. In Gir, she leads a team of 18 trackers. But their work isn’t limited to just four districts.

Why the shadow of politics?

In Gujarat, wherever a rescue call comes in and no expert is available, the team arrives and conducts rescue operations.

Selfies are a big deal

Rasila sparked controversy when she took a selfie with two lions on her mobile phone. She posted the selfie with the lions on Facebook, sparking criticism. However, after the controversy escalated, she deleted the post. No action has been taken against her. https://allgujaratnews.in/gj/%e0%aa%b8%e0%aa%bf%e0%aa%82%e0%aa%b9%e0%ab%8b%e0%aa%a8%e0%ab%87-%e0%aa%ac%e0%aa%9a%e0%aa%be%e0%aa%b5%e0%aa%a4%e0%ab%80-%e0%aa%b2%e0%ab%87%e0%aa%a1%e0%ab%80-%e0%aa%9f%e0%aa%be%e0%aa%b0%e0%aa%9d/

Five people caught illegally watching lions in the Rabarika Range: fined ₹25,000
November 2, 2019

Amreli, Date: 01

Last year, the Forest Department received numerous complaints about illegal lion viewing. Furthermore, individuals were extorting money from people by illegally showing lions. The Forest Department was alerted to this information, prompting an operation to apprehend such individuals. Similarly, the Forest Department arrested five individuals—Abhishek Savaliya, Bavnol, Avinash Savaliya, Sandeep Savaliya, and Praveen Savaliya—for illegal lion viewing in the forest of the Rabarika Range in Khanbha, Amreli. Legal action was taken against the arrested individuals and a fine of 25,000 rupees was imposed on them. The Forest Department’s action has spread panic among such individuals. The Forest Department has also appealed to tourists visiting Gir to be wary of the racket operating under the guise of illegal lion viewing. Previously, the Forest Department had taken action against greedy individuals who had fleeced tourists in this manner.

Seven lions from Junagadh were sent to Uttar Pradesh by truck.
September 24, 2019

Junagadh, dated 23

Seven lions have been sent from Junagadh’s Sakkarbaug Zoo to Uttar Pradesh. The seven lions have been sent to the Lion Safari Park in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. The lions have been sent to the Inter-State Wildlife Exchange (IWEF) to facilitate the exchange of wild animals. The lions were sent under the Dian Zoo Exchange Program, which included two males and five females from Gujarat to Uttar Pradesh. A team from the Uttar Pradesh Zoo Authority arrived at the Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh to receive the lions. After consultation and guidance with the Sakkarbaug Zoo Authority, the seven lions were transported to Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. The seven lions were transported by truck. Each lion’s cage was carefully and securely placed on the truck. CCTV cameras were installed on the truck to monitor the lions until they arrived in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. Since the journey involved a long route, precautions were taken to ensure there were no obstacles along the way. As part of the animal exchange, other animals from the Uttar Pradesh zoo will now be transferred to the Sakkarbaug Zoo.

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Four lions fall into a well in the Sarsiya Range of Gir East, rescued
September 15, 2019

Ahmedabad, Date: 15: On Saturday night, four lions fell into a well in Manavao village, Ambardi Bit, Gir East. Farm owner Dilubhai had gone to his farm to do his daily chores when he heard lion roars and fell into a coma. After looking around, those who became suspicious and looked into the well found four lions inside. Dilubhai immediately reported the incident to a Forest Department patrol team.

Upon receiving news of the lions falling into the well, the Forest Department team from the Sarsiya Range immediately reached Dilubhai’s wadi in Manavao, where they verified that four lions were in the empty well. After verifying the incident, another team with equipment was called in. Since the well was 100 feet deep, the rescue team initially faced difficulties. Finally, with proper coordination under the guidance of DCF, the help of local people was enlisted and the lions were rescued from the 100-foot-deep well without any harm. All four lions were immediately shifted to the Gir East Forest Department for treatment, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

The condition of the four lions that fell into the 100-foot-deep empty well on the farm is currently stable and they will be released back into the wild after treatment.

Increase in Lion Deaths in Gujarat
July 16, 2019

The lion population is counted every five years in the state. According to the last lion census conducted in May 2015, the total number of lions in the state was 523, including 109 lions, 201 lionesses, 140 lion cubs, and 73 cubs. Of these, a total of 222 lions have died in the last two years, from 1-6-2017 to 31-5-2019, including 52 lions, 74 lionesses, 90 lion cubs, and 6 cubs. Of these deaths, 43 lions, 65 lionesses, 85 lion cubs, and 6 cubs died naturally, while 9 lions, 9 lionesses, and 5 lion cubs died unnatural deaths. In response to a one-star question from Mr. Shailesh Parmar, Deputy Leader of the Congress Party in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and MLA from Danilimda, it was revealed today that 40% of the lion deaths in the state in the last two years were due to natural or unnatural causes.

Mr. Shailesh Parmar stated that lions are the identity of Gujarat. Lions are found only in the state of Gujarat throughout India and the Asian continent, while the state government is responsible for the protection of Gujarat’s pride and lions. According to the last census, 222 lions out of a total of 523 lions in the state have died, highlighting the state government’s failure to protect them. Lions are harassed by organizing illegal “lion shows” for tourists from India and abroad. They are harassed by driving vehicles after them at night, showing them chickens and goats, and other acts of harassment, many videos of which have gone viral on social media.

Mr. Parmar stated that lions have now moved from their natural habitat, the Gir Forest, to coastal areas and nearby villages. If lions leave their natural habitat and come into contact with humans, they are at risk of contracting the virus. Previously, to prevent the spread of the virus among lions, pastoralists living in the forest were relocated with their livestock. Now that lions are leaving their natural habitat in the forest and moving towards human settlements, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that the virus does not spread among lions again. Recent lion deaths have also occurred in a similar manner, which also requires an investigation.

The state government should ban illegal lion shows, take strict action against those responsible, and stop harassing the state’s pride, the lions. Mr. Shailesh Parmar demanded that lions remain in their natural habitat in the forest and that special steps be taken for their protection and breeding. 0000000000000
100 lions to be fitted with collar IDs
July 12, 2019

Work is currently underway to fit GPS collar IDs to more than 100 lions along revenue and forest boundaries throughout Gir. Recently, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani visited Sasan and announced that lions would be fitted with GPS collar IDs. Lions will be fitted with GPS collars for location and monitoring. Currently, more than 50 lions in Gir have been fitted with collars. Gaps were discovered during the process of fitting GPS collars to the Gir lions, causing distress. A group of two lionesses and seven cubs are roaming in the hilly area near Khambha. The Forest Department had fitted a lioness with a collar ID. The GPS collar strap was found hanging loose. The lioness appeared distressed, and the hanging collar was captured on camera. Local lion lovers informed the Forest Department of this. Four or five days ago, two lions wearing collar ID straps also died in Gir. Thus, the Forest Department’s monitoring of the GPS collars fitted to lions by the Forest Department for IEDs was lacking, and the Forest Department is now equipping lions with radio collars without any research or expert advice. The Gujarat High Court’s amicus curiae had recommended radio collars for lions. The government and Forest Department began the radio collars without any preparation. After tranquilizing lions, radio collars are being fitted to the sedated lions. The side effects of the sedatives can shorten their lifespan. A conscious lion finds the collars problematic.

Due to the Forest Department’s negligence, a lioness was found with her radio collar strap loose. This incident proves that lions are being tranquilized and fitted with radio collars without the assistance of experts.

At the same time, a lioness was observed to have her radio collar broken near Khambha. Whether this collar will benefit or harm the Forest Department remains to be seen, but it is certain that it is a burden for the lions and they are constantly kicking it off. Consequently, a lioness in the Khambha lion pride was found to have her radio collar broken. 000000000000
A flaw was found in the process of fitting GPS collars to the Amreli-Gir lions.
July 12, 2019

A collar ID strap was found around the neck of a lioness on the Adasang hill near Khambha.

The lioness was upset by the GPS collar ID strap hanging from her neck.

A group of seven cubs and two lionesses was spotted near the pole. One lioness was wearing a GPS collar, with the collar ID strap half-out, and the lioness was captured on camera.

More than 100 lions have been fitted with GPS collars along the revenue and forest boundaries in Gir.

More than 50 lions in Gir have been fitted with radio collars, but monitoring is lacking.

The Forest Department’s negligence in protecting lions was evident.


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Amit Jethwa, who fought for lions, died like a lion and secured life imprisonment for Dinu.
July 11, 2019

He was born on December 31, 1975, and died at a young age on July 20, 2010. Amit Jethwa fought with the government to save lions. He was an environmentalist and social activist. He was primarily active in the Gir forests near Junagadh. As president of the Gir Nature Youth Club, he was active in opposing illegal encroachment and hunting activities in the forest. He also actively participated in the case in which Bollywood actor Salman Khan was sentenced to five years in prison for hunting a chinkara. He spoke out against corruption in the Forest and Revenue Departments. He campaigned to prevent the reintroduction of lions into the Kuno Sanctuary. In 2010, he was awarded the Satish Shetty RTI Bravery Award and NDTV’s Environment Award. For the past year and a half, Amit Jethwa has settled in Ahmedabad with his wife, daughter, and daughter-in-law.

Politics

In 2007, Jethwa contested the Gujarat Legislative Assembly elections but lost.

In 2010, he filed a case against the state government for failing to take action on the appointment of a Lokayukta. The High Court ordered the government to appoint a Lokayukta.

Dinu Solanki’s nephew, Shiva Solanki, was attending public meetings despite not being a member of the taluka panchayat, which Amit objected to, and his presence was prevented.

In fact, Amit Jethwa’s fight began in 2001. However, in 2007, Amit Jethwa contested the assembly elections and sought a criminal complaint against Dinu Solanki from the Election Commission.

The BJP government tried its best to protect Solanki. However, due to investigations by the High Court and the CBI, senior BJP leaders could not be saved. Former BJP MP Dinu Bogha Solanki issued a statement. Dinu Bogha said that he was framed as part of a conspiracy by Ahmed Patel and Shaktisinh Gohil of the Congress. He said that he and his nephew are innocent.

Previously, he had filed successful PILs on important issues such as land settlement in the state, the appointment of a Lokayukta to investigate corruption complaints against MLAs, ministers, and government officials, and filling the vacant posts of Information Commissioners in the state.

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405 lions died in 5 years, but no poaching incident
July 3, 2019

Gandhinagar: In Gujarat’s Sasan Gir, 405 lions have died in the last five years. Of these deaths, 154 were cubs. According to data provided by the state forest department, 344 lions died naturally, while 70 died unnatural deaths due to various reasons. The number of lionesses is 132.

Of the lions who died naturally, 108 were males and 108 were females, while 128 were cubs. Unnatural deaths include falling into wells, railway accidents, and other causes. The forest department has denied that lions have been poached in the state in the last five years. Not a single incident of lion poaching has been reported. The Forest Department clearly states that poaching has occurred, but no hunting has been carried out. However, people claim that a gang of nail and skin thieves has admitted to poaching lions. This happens.

In 1968, the state’s lion population was just 177, while the last census, conducted in 2015, had increased to 523. Now, with the lion census scheduled for 2020, the Forest Department estimates that the lion population in Sasan Gir has surpassed 600.

Last year, 37 lions died in three months due to canine distemper virus and in-fighting. The central and state governments have several plans in place to protect lions. In this year’s budget, the government has allocated ₹123 crore to create a new Shetrunji Division for the conservation of Asiatic lions, as well as a state-of-the-art hospital, lion ambulances, CCTV networks, radio collars, and drone surveillance.

Lion Death Information

Year Lion Bal Singh

2013-14 50 32

2014-15 50 29

2015-16 52 28

2016-17 56 43

2017-18 43 22

Total 251 154
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If the Shetrunjay River floods, 20 lions will be killed
June 17, 2019

All photos – Dilip Jiruka
The rainy season is upon us, and the effects of wind and rain are being felt throughout the Gir and Saurashtra coasts. So, while there has been heavy rainfall, more than 20 people living along the Shetrunjay River in Greater Gir, Amrelun, have died. It is important to remove wild boars from the area before the rains. Here, 20 wild boars from Gir have made their permanent home in the riverbed, where the Shetrunji River flows through the Kharpat area of ​​Amreli and reaches Palitana. These wild boars have been living in the river every day, and since the Shetrunji River is very cold, the wild boars live there, making them endangered. The Shetrunji River originates from the Gir River, and as soon as it rains, the river floods suddenly. Nature lovers, including Himanshu Bhatt, are demanding that the wild boars be relocated to the river. Amreli district includes Liliya Nana Liliya Krakach Shedada Bavda Loka, Loki Junasawar Khalpar Ghoba Pipardi, and other villages, which are managed by the Savarkundla General Range and the Amreli Extension Department. Currently, the lions living in the Shetrunji River need to be relocated before the floods arrive. During the devastating floods of 2015, 11 lions were swept away by the Shetrunji River and died. Currently, more than 20 lions live near the Shetrunji River, which is at risk from flooding. The Amreli Forest Department needs to monitor these lions and remove them periodically. The Forest Department has also built high hills, but during floods, it is difficult for the lions to climb these hills. Removing these lions is essential to save the Gir lions. Last year, 23 lions died due to canine distemper. Environmentalists are demanding that other lions be relocated from the river before more lions are removed. 00000000000000

Lions to be given to Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
June 1, 2019

The Gujarat Forest Department has approved the transfer of two pairs of lions to Mysore, Karnataka, and one pair to Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Two male and two female Asiatic lions will be transferred from the Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh to the Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysore, Karnataka, and a female red-necked wallaby will be donated by Gujarat to this park in Karnataka.

In exchange for these animals, the Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens – Mysore will give one male and one female hippopotamus, one male and two female gorals, one pair of black swans, and one male red-necked wallaby to the Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh.

From Sakkarbaug Zoo, 1 pair of Asiatic lions, 1 pair of Domicile Cranes and 1 pair of Rosy Pelicans, 2 pairs of Zebra Finches, 1 pair of Barking Deer and 1 pair of Thamin Deer, 1 pair of Spoonbills, 2 pairs of Chinkaras will be given to S.V. Zoological Park in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, under the Animal Exchange Program.

This S.V. Zoological Park in Andhra Pradesh will give 1 pair of Jackals, 1 pair of Sloth Bears, 1 pair of Indian Goras, 1 male Bengal White Tiger, and 1 pair of Porcupines to Sakkarbaug Zoo in exchange for wild animals from Gujarat.

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Lion hunting resumes; who killed and removed the claws?

May 17, 2019

Soon after the deaths of 23 lions in the Sarasiya Vidi of the Dalkhaniya Range in Dhar Girpur, Amreli, on October 22, 2018, the bodies of three lion cubs were found in the Pipalwa Round of the Tulsishyam Range. This has now become a daily occurrence. Over the past year, several reasons have emerged that suggest that a lion, lioness, or its cub is being killed and its body parts are being traded in the Gir Forest.

It has once again come to light that lions are not safe in the Gir Forest. The body of a six-month-old lion cub was found in Abliala, Amreli district. The postmortem report revealed that someone had cut off the cub’s nails. The Forest Department claims the cub died of natural causes, however, the Forest Department is investigating the missing nails. The story is suspicious. If it was a natural death, who took its claws?

On the other hand, numerous videos of lions being harassed in Gir have also surfaced. The question then arises: why are lions not being protected despite a budget of crores of rupees?

How many lion cubs have died in the past?

1 – The body of a four-month-old lion cub was found under a tree in Jivabhai Panchbhai’s mango orchard in the Ferda area of ​​the Jasadhar Range in Gir Somnath district.

2 – Gir Somnath The body of a two-month-old lion cub was found in suspicious circumstances in Khilavad, Th. The cub’s body was found in a plastic bag.

3 – The body of a lion cub was found in Veraval, Dodia, Vadodara.

4 – The body of a three-month-old lion cub was found in the Bhaniya Round of the Tulsishya Range in Khambha.

5 – The decomposed body of a lion cub was found in the Revenue Forest Area near Jesar.

6 – The body of a lion cub was found on the Ingorala border of Khambha.

7 – The body of a lion cub was found in a well in Somnath-Kodinar.

8 – Lions engaged in a violent mating after mauling a wild lioness’s two cubs.

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Using Fiber Optic Technology to Prevent Lion Deaths on Railway Tracks
May 14, 2019

An important decision has been made regarding the lion deaths on railway tracks. It has been decided to use fiber optic technology to prevent lion deaths on railway tracks. A monitoring committee meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Junagadh Range Inspector General (IG). This decision was made in the presence of officials from various departments, including Forest and Railway.

To control unauthorized activities and suspicious movement in the lion habitat, a monitoring committee meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Range Inspector General. The meeting was attended by Junagadh Range Chief Warden D.T. Vasavada, Superintendent of Police, Power System officials, Railway officials, and officials from the Mines, Roads, and Buildings Department.

Using fiber optic technology will alert train drivers to the movement of lions through an alarm. This way, lions can be prevented from being hit by trains.

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Lion Enters Ultratech Cement Company Plant
May 9, 2019

A lioness was strolling near the Ultratech Company campus near Kovaya village. People were watching her everywhere, and she went towards an acacia tree. She then climbed onto the path of open vehicles, causing panic among the residents. A video of this has gone viral on social media.

She then remained around the village throughout the night, and early in the morning, she entered the Ultratech Company near Kovaya, a residential settlement of migrant workers and especially those working there. The lioness came from behind and panicked the security guards at the gate. However, this incident occurred on Tuesday morning. When the Rajula Forest Department was informed of the incident, forest department personnel immediately arrived, but before the forest department arrived, the lioness had already left for her walk.

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Lions will be transported by plane and housed in the Gorakhpur Zoo
May 7, 2019

The roar of the world-famous Gir lions will now be heard in Uttar Pradesh. The Central Zoo Authority of India has granted permission to transport eight lions from Junagadh’s Sakkarbagh Zoo to Uttar Pradesh. The lions, consisting of six females and two males, will be safely transported to Uttar Pradesh by plane. They will be housed in the Gorakhpur Zoo in Uttar Pradesh, where residents will now be able to see the lions.

For some time, discussions were underway to transport 11 lions to Uttar Pradesh, but the plan stalled due to lack of approval. Now, permission has been granted to transport eight lions. The lions will be sent to Junagadh under a zoo exchange program, and some additional animals will be brought from there.

31 Lions Donated in 5 Years

In the five years since March 2018, Sakkarbaug Zoo has donated 41 animals and 7 birds to 11 states and two countries. Sakkarbaug Zoo has donated 31 lions, three leopards, one fox, six white-backed vultures, six white peacocks, and 17 different species.

India’s Oldest Zoo

The Sakkarbaug Zoo, located in Junagadh city in the Saurashtra region, was established in 1863 AD during the reign of the Nawab of the Junagadh State. It is one of India’s oldest zoos. It is home to Asiatic lions. Spread over 198 hectares, Sakkarbaug is a zoo where animal exchanges take place. It also has a breeding center for lions and vultures.

Many animals have been brought in that are no match for lions.

Birds and animals such as the reindeer, hog deer, blue and yellow macaw, golden pheasant, goral deer, black Jacobin pigeon, red jungle fowl, crane, ostrich, wolf, porcupine, snake-headed pheasant, black partridge, red-necked wallaby, African caracal, mouse deer, king cobra, Indian black tortoise, black swan, eclectus parrot, Goffin’s cockatoo, Amazon parrot, green peacock, scarlet macaw have been brought to Sakkarbaug Zoo from India and abroad. The animal exchange program is ongoing at Sakkarbaug Zoo. The animals brought in are no match for lions. Gujarat is running a loss-making business.

Which zoos were they brought in from?

Many animals have been brought to the state from Prague Zoo, London Zoo, Lucknow Zoo, Chhatbir Zoo, Punjab, Silvassa Lion Safari Park, Dadra Nagar Haveli, Udaipur Zoo, Rajasthan, Hyderabad Zoo, Mini Zoo, Pipli, Haryana, Etawah Lion Safari Park, Pilikula Zoo, Mangalore Zoo, Jaipur Zoo, Rajasthan, Machia Biology Park, Jodhpur Zoo, Rajasthan, Mysore Zoo, Pune Zoo, Maharashtra, Nandankanan Zoo, Bhubaneswar, Bihar, Indroda Nature Park, Gandhinagar, and various other countries under animal exchange programs. But none are as valuable as the lions at Sakkarbaug Zoo.

More than 35 lions
As of April 2017, the zoo houses more than 35 lions. Five lions, 15 lionesses, and the remaining cubs are kept in captivity.
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Lion enters village after lack of water, people take selfies
May 6, 2 019

With the summer season approaching, the king of the jungle is now venturing out of the Gir Forest in search of water. A lion came to a village near Amreli to drink water. The lion was seen drinking from a tank meant for cows. Seeing this, some villagers also came and took selfies with the lion. While the lion was busy drinking, a local youth was taking a selfie. He also recorded a video of the lion, which is going viral on social media.

It is noteworthy that lions come out of the forest in search of water, raising questions about the Forest Department’s functioning. The Forest Department has to make every possible arrangement for water, but now the lions are venturing out.

Currently, there are approximately 600 lions in the Gir Forest. Not only is this area too small for them, but they also have to fight for water. Therefore, there is a possibility that lions may enter and attack nearby villages and Gir Forest nests. Therefore, the Forest Department and the Gujarat government have taken this step because it is considered necessary to provide water to the lions in the Gir Forest. The condition of wild animals has deteriorated significantly. Even the lion, known as the King of Gir, needs a lot of water. However, in the summer, the lions’ condition worsens without water, and a video of about 20 lions, cubs, and lionesses wandering in a group in search of water has gone viral. It is believed that these lions came to a village on the border of the Gir Forest in search of water.

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Despite the death of 24 lions, the population has increased to over 600.
April 20, 2019

The lion population in Gir has increased. In 2015, the number of lions was 511. Now, according to the last census, over 600 lions have been recorded. A lion census conducted by the Forest Department on the full moon night revealed an increase in lion numbers, especially in Amreli district, with 60 lion cubs identified. Last year, a virus killed 24 lions in the Dalkhaniya range of Amreli district, reducing the lion population. However, the Forest Department promptly vaccinated the remaining lions and saved them. Now, according to new data, the lion population in Gir has increased, bringing joy to lion lovers and wildlife organizations.

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Cubs die within two days of birth in Barda, the second home of lions.

April 6, 2019

To save the lion species, lions were brought from the Gir forest in Junagadh to the Barda Dungar forest in Porbandar in pairs of two lions. A lion gene pool project was established in the Satvirda Nash of the Barda Sanctuary. A male lion named A-1 and a female lion named Sarita successfully mated. Sarita gave birth to two cubs on April 1, 2019. Both the cubs and Sarita were healthy. Currently, there are a total of six lions in Satvirda: two males, A-1 and Nagaraja, two females, Sarita and Parvati, and two newborn cubs.

Lion Animal House Unit-1 and Unit-2 have been constructed. Each unit includes an animal house, crawl space, service sheds, a lounging ground, and a lion utility area. Experts inspected all the lions’ enclosures and found that Avoli and the area were suitable for the lions, making their stay a successful one.

A lioness named Sarita gave birth to two cubs on April 1, both of which died at the hands of their mother on April 3, 2019. The lioness carries the newborn cubs in her mouth, and the cubs were injured due to the excessive pressure exerted during the feeding process. The postmortem examination of these two lion cubs at Sakkarbaug revealed serious injuries. One cub suffered chest injuries, and the other suffered head and brain injuries. Such incidents sometimes occur among members of a pack of cats caring for their first cubs. Local Forest Department staff fed these cubs from outside.

Lion Stops Train for 20 Minutes
April 6, 2019

In the forest between Amreli and Veraval, wild animals often climb onto the meter-gauge railway tracks. Lions are often seen on the railway, and some have even been killed. But now, due to the heat, humans, animals, and birds are suffering. Three lions, seeking shade to escape the heat, sat on the railway tracks, bringing train traffic to a halt. Passengers on the train enjoyed the scene and filmed the lions’ antics. The driver of a passing train had to stop his train. The lion remained on the tracks for 20 minutes, then left. The incident occurred in the forest area between Veraval and Dhari, as the video showed a railway track and a train.

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Man arrested with 14 lion claws near Tulsishyam
April 2, 2019

45-year-old Vashram Sardul Dhapa, who on February 14, 2019, removed 14 lion claws from the body of a male lion in the Nandivela area of ​​the Tulsishyam forest range, has been arrested.

A special investigation team of 11 forest department personnel was formed. A 1-kilometer area was searched. Checkpoints were set up in the fields of Sonaria and Pachpachiya villages. During rigorous interrogation of a man named Vashram from Pachpachiya village, 14 lion claws were recovered near a Thor fence near his field. The 14 lion claws were recovered from the Scheduled Forest and the accused was arrested.

Lion claws are being sold for ₹2 lakh around Dhari Gir.
March 26, 2019

A group of foreigners were selling Rudraksha beads and crystal beads in the Tower Chowk area of ​​Rajula. After receiving information that they were carrying lion claws, the Rajula Forest Department and Amreli Forensic Team raided the place. The team conducted a thorough investigation and found the claws to be fake. The accused, Budheliya Pawar, was arrested. The Forest Department filed a case under the Wildlife Protection Act and imposed a fine of 20,000 rupees.

There is renewed talk that lion claws are being distributed in Gir and surrounding rural areas for 1 to 2 lakh rupees.

While the lion deaths in Dhar Gir continue, the business of distributing lion claws has now begun in Gir and surrounding areas. A few years ago, a gang of poachers from Madhya Pradesh became active in Gir and the forest. Lions were hunted and lion claws were distributed. The Forest Department also apprehended a gang distributing claws in Bhavnagar. Then, a lion carcass, more than 20 days old, was found in a decomposed state in Kotharia Gol, Khambha, with 14 of its claws still missing. Lion conservation is under threat, and the rumor of distributing claws in Gir has stirred up a stir among lion lovers.

The lion deaths in Gir East continue. It’s emerging that a lucrative business of selling lion claws has sprung up in Gir and surrounding areas. A few years ago, poaching gangs from Madhya Pradesh became active in Gir and the surrounding forest, hunting lions and distributing the claws. At that time, rumors circulated that lion claws were being sold for between one and two lakh rupees in Gir and the surrounding rural areas. Then, 40 days ago, on February 15th, the Forest Department found the decomposed corpse of a 9-year-old lion in the Nandivela area, in the Kotharia Round of the Khambha-Tulsishyam Range. It was so decomposed that the Forest Department had to collect the lion’s remaining body parts, but only four claws were found, leaving the remaining 14 undiscovered. At that time, the Forest Department intensified its investigation and issued notices to the guard forester and RFO Parimal Patel, seeking answers. Because 14 of the lion’s claws were missing, the Forest Department was alarmed, and the Forest Department issued a FRO four days after the lion’s decomposed corpse was discovered. At that time, Junagadh CCF Vasavada Khambha arrived on the scene and visited the site in the Kotharia area of ​​the Khambha-Tulsishyam Range. At that time, the Forest Department was in a state of panic. At that time, the Forest Department had always concealed lion deaths, claiming that the lion died naturally, and that only four or five claws were found. Since the incident occurred in a forest area, it was unlikely that someone had taken the lion’s claws or lost them, and hastily responded that a wild animal had taken them.

Scanning has been initiated by local staff and the claws will be recovered, but to date, the Forest Department has failed to locate the dead lion’s claws. Even after 40 days of the discovery of a decomposed lion’s carcass in the Kotharia Nandiwala area of ​​the Khambha-Tulsishyam Range, the Forest Department has not recovered the dead lion’s 14 nails. The Forest Department has been scanning the surrounding area for four days and has extensively questioned farmers and cattle owners. However, the Forest Department has not found the nails. Following this, the Gir Line Nature Reserve complained to senior officials.

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Forester issued notice after 14 nails of the dead lion disappeared; nails were previously searched here
February 21, 2019

The body of a 9-year-old lion was found in the Nandiwala area of ​​Tulsishyam between today and February 13, 2019. Of the lion’s 18 nails, only four were found on the body. The remaining 14 were missing. The guard and forester were asked for an explanation two days ago, and later, they were served with a notice. The Forest Department issued an FRO due to the lion’s 14 missing claws. Junagadh CCF Vasavada Khambha arrived at the scene.

Lions have 18 claws. Four on each front foot and five on each hind foot.

Earlier, the gang caught for the lion’s claws visited the scene in the Kotharia Round of the Khambha Tulsishyam Range. The department is concealing the lion’s death. It also stated that the lion died a natural death. Since the incident occurred in a forest area, there was no evidence that anyone took or lost the lion’s claws. The exaggerated response was that the wild animal had taken a harpoon, a hawk, or a domestic animal.

The claws are being examined, and it was claimed that the claws would be found. However, they have not yet been found. Six days after the carcass was found in a decomposed state, the Forest Department has not recovered the dead lion’s 14 claws. Searches have been underway in the surrounding area for four days. Farmers and cattle owners have been questioned. Legal action will be taken against anyone found guilty, the CCF announced.

Nail thief caught with weapons

Jafar Baran and Baran Umar Bloch of Shemardi, who were arrested on February 19, 2019, were previously caught illegally entering the forest, removing and selling lion claws.

But claws seized in December

Previously, on December 8, 2018, the Forest Department arrested three men in Junagadh with four lion claws. One was from Radi village in Talala and the other from Dhari. These men were caught red-handed while trying to give two claws to a man from Gundaran village in Mahuva, Bhavnagar. Dana Devayat Garaniya and Zilu Bhikha Kamaliya were caught red-handed by the Forest Department.

The accused initially claimed the claws belonged to a lion, but the veterinary lab and FSL confirmed they belonged to a leopard.

Caught selling lion claws in Talaja

Talaja Mahuva Forest Department During the investigation, 15 claws were seized. A man from Pani, Kanu Rambhai Wala, was caught with the claws. The claws were taken from Dana Devayat Garnia of Radi village in Talala. The claws were extracted from a dead lion’s skeleton lying in the Nera river near the Mali Mata temple in the Pania forest. The local duty officer did not discover this until a wild animal died in the Pania area.

A similar incident occurred six years ago

Six years ago, a case of removing claws from a lion’s body was reported from the Pania range in Dhar.

On March 27, 2015, two people, including the brother-in-law of a female forester, were arrested for selling lion claws. The Visavadar Forest Department conducted a thorough investigation into the matter.

Is there no patrolling in the Babaria range?

Since the lion census is about to begin in the coming days, the Forest Department has to conduct patrolling to locate the lions. But the question that is being discussed among the people is why the Forest Department is not patrolling the Babaria Range or why the lion’s carcass was lying around for 10 days.

In 2007, a gang of poachers killed seven lions in the Babaria Range for their claws.

On March 22, 2010,

One of the two missing claws of a dead lion was found. The body of a 14-year-old male lion was found decomposed in the forest of the Babaria Range area near Una, with one or two claws missing.

https://allgujaratnews.in/gj/%e0%aa%ae%e0%aa%b0%e0%aa%87%e0%aa%b2%e0%aa%be-%e0%aa%b8%e0%aa%bf%e0%aa%82%e0%aa%b9%e0%aa%a8%e0%aa%be-14-%e0%aa%a8%e0%aa%96-%e0%aa%97%e0%aa%81%e0%aa%ae-%e0%aa%a5%e0%aa%a4%e0%aa%be%e0%aa%82-%e0%aa%ab/

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The government has worked with experts to plan to prevent the virus from spreading from chickens to lions. Made
January 29, 2019

More than 25 wild animals, including lions, have died one after another due to the virus in the Gir forest and outside the forest. Experts are taking precautions to prevent the spread of the virus in Gir and surrounding areas, and it has also been announced that a parapet wall will be built over the open well. It is possible that the lions died after eating chickens served for lion shows, which may have contained the virus. The High Court has expressed displeasure over illegal lion shows and the harassment of lions.

Steps have been taken to prevent lion deaths through electric fencing. Incidents of lions falling into open wells are frequent. Therefore, such dangerous wells will be marked and a parapet wall will be built around them.

The government further stated that precautionary measures are being taken under the leadership of experts to prevent the spread of the virus in Gir and surrounding areas. The High Court has postponed further hearing in the case until Tuesday. During the previous hearing in the High Court, the state government had submitted a response of approximately 30 to 40 pages. The petitioner’s lawyer requested time to read the state government’s response.

It is important to note that the deaths of lions in the Gir Forest had caused a stir within the Forest Department. The deaths of forest rangers due to a mysterious virus also angered lion lovers. Meanwhile, illegal lion viewing was exposed.

Forest officials were surprised to find a protozoa infection in Gir lions, especially in the Gir East Forest area. According to this report from the Veterinary College of Junagadh, the protozoa infection, spread by ticks, affects the lion’s immune system and destroys blood cells. It is a single-celled organism called an amoeba. Following the protozoa report, a team of doctors from Etawah and Delhi Zoos is expected to vaccinate the lions to rebuild their weakened immune systems. Vaccines have also been ordered from the United States.

The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, found blood samples from four lions and tissue samples from dead lions. In six cases, reports from the Veterinary College, Junagadh, found protozoa infections spread by ticks. All these infections were found to be limited to lions in the Sarsia (Runio) area.

Four contagious and serious viruses were found during the research. Feline Parvo, which causes diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and bloody stools in lions, was one of them. Canine distemper virus causes symptoms like a runny nose, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and loss of appetite in lions. Immunodeficiency virus weakens lions’ immune systems, increasing their risk of various diseases. While all viruses show similar symptoms, they vary in their types.

The Forest Department needs modern technology and labs to combat serious diseases. 000000000000000000
40 Lionesses’ Collar ID Strap Removed
January 28, 2019

Lion lovers are proud that the regal lioness is now free of the unnecessary burden hanging around her neck. This elderly lioness has established a pride of over 40 cubs living in Liliya Brihadgir. 11 years ago, she had a lump on her neck at the Wildlife Institute. The National Park Service of India was supposed to install the collar ID. However, even after the collar was discontinued eight years ago, the belt hasn’t been removed. But for some time now, the lioness’s collar has been missing.

Just as the Krankach Panthak pride has a distinct identity among the Gir lions, the Rajmata lioness has a distinct identity within this pride of 40 lions. This lioness was the first to arrive at Krankach Panthak. And now All the lions living here are her family. This lioness is over 18 years old. In 2008, a radio collar was fitted around her neck by government order.

The radio collar provides the organization with constant information about the lioness’s movements, including her eating habits, territory, and other details. The radio collar cost approximately two lakh rupees. However, within two years of wearing it, the radio collar stopped working. Even then, it was not removed. Recently, the radio collar belt around the lioness’s neck is missing. Local RFO Prajapati stated that the belt is currently missing from the lioness’s neck, and it is believed to have broken. Local nature lover Manoj Joshi also noted that the collar has been missing for some time. He also stated that if the lioness is so old, the local forest department should take special care of her.

Usually, when a lioness is spotted in the revenue area, a crowd of people gathers. However, the radio-collared lioness made such a loud noise that people would stop going lion watching if they saw her. 0000000000000
Despite spending crores of rupees, the lions in Brihadgir are still without drinking water in the middle of winter.
January 21, 2019

The Ramayana of drinking water has begun in every village, but along with the public, the kings of the jungle, the lions, are also struggling to find drinking water in the middle of winter. A similar situation is being witnessed in the Brihadgir forest of the revenue area of ​​Amreli district.

From Chandgad in Amreli to Pader in Gariadhar in Bhavnagar district, 30 to 35 lions live in this area, but it is a major loss that even the lions, considered the kings of the jungle, have become careless about drinking water. Due to recent lack of rainfall, the Shetrunji River, which flows through the Brihadgir forest area, has dried up. The plight of the lions roaming along the Shetrunji River is worsening. The drinking water points established by the Forest Department for the lions are completely empty, so the lions have to come to rural areas for water. Furthermore, the lions’ plight for water has worsened during the winter. In 1998, a new lion habitat was established in these areas, the Brihadgir Forest. Since then, lion lovers who are knowledgeable about lions have been filtering the Shetrunji River’s water and filling it with water.

Lion lovers are doing the work that is the Forest Department’s responsibility to protect lions, but the reality is that they are not filling the drinking water points for the lions. While the government is spending crores of rupees on lions, due to the Forest Department’s negligence, the lions are struggling for water in the middle of winter. Forest officials say it will take a week for them to get water.

The Forest Department, whose sole responsibility is to care for and provide facilities to lions, is not serious about lions in their habitat.

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Amreli MLA takes selfie with lion
January 11, 2019

October 29, 2018

A selfie taken with lions by a local representative from Savarkundla in Amreli and a businessman from Surat has gone viral on social media. The MLA and the industrialist have mocked the Wildlife Act. If the law were the same for everyone, Assam’s ten thousand crore rupee Bhagirath Pithwadi and Savarkundla MLA Pratap Dudhat would be safe from the law. However, they are embroiled in controversy by taking selfies with Gir lions. Krakach village in the Greater Gir is Pratap Dudhat’s hometown, and his father owns over four hundred bighas of land here. Many lions are permanent residents in this area. Therefore, local MLA Dudhat, Surat industrialist Bhagirath Pithwadi, Ankit Kachhariya, and other lion lovers held a lion show and took selfies with the lions. When photos with the lions went viral on social media, it sparked numerous debates. Now,
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3 lions killed on railway tracks
December 18, 2018

Late last night, two lion cubs and a lioness were killed after being hit by a freight train on the railway tracks in Borala village of Savarkundla in Amreli district. The Forest Department arrived at the scene. The DRM expressed regret over the incident and stated that the speed limit at night is 45 km/h, but the Forest Department needs to coordinate more closely on this matter.
Two lion cubs and a lioness were killed after being hit by a freight train traveling from Botad to Pipavav at around 11:40 pm last night. It is reported that the train was traveling at a speed of 100 km/h, which is what caused the accident. While the area fell under the Bhavnagar Railway Division, Railway DRM Rupa Srinivasan provided a media statement, stating that the incident occurred at night, and that there are several areas along this route where lions are likely to be on the tracks. Therefore, trains operate at a speed of 45 km/h. This speed limit does not apply to the entire track. However, the incident occurred at night, with poor visibility, which reduced the train’s speed, and despite the train pilot applying the brakes, the incident occurred. Regarding this, he further explained that a GPO was signed between the Railways and the Forest Department in 2014, and certain rules must be followed. When lions are currently migrating from their original habitat to other areas, the Forest Department must use its trackers to coordinate closely with the pilots of local trains passing through the area. If a lion is found in a forest, the Forest Department may be required to use its trackers to track the movement of the lions. If a lion is found on or near the tracks, the train pilot must be informed. This can be done so that the speed can be reduced and the train can pass by blowing the horn. If necessary, the train can be stopped if a lion is on the tracks. In this regard, the Railway Department provides special training to identify lions from a distance while crossing the tracks, and this has led to the rescue of 17 lions in six incidents. 0000000000000000000
Lion deaths continue, with two more lions dead, bringing the total to 34.
December 16, 2018

The deaths of 23 lions in the Dhari Gir East and three lions in the Pipalwa Range continue, bringing the total to 26. A total of 34 lions have died in the Dhari Range. Once again, two lion cubs have died. The lion cubs’ deaths are mostly due to infighting. A 4-month-old lion cub died in a fight in the Wadal Ved of the Savarkundla Range, and the Forest Department reported that a 10-month-old lion cub died in a fight between a lion and a lioness during the mating period in the Gorala area of ​​the Paniya Range. This brings the total number of lion deaths to 31.

In Dhar Gir East, 23 lions died in a single range, Dalkhaniya. Three lion cubs died in the Pipalwa Round of the Khambha Tulsishyam Range. One lion died in a fight in Vavera of Rajula. Another lion died in Maliahatin. Eight days ago, a 4-month-old lion cub died in the Wadal Ved of Savarkundla.

Thus, the number of lion cubs killed in fights in Dhar Gir East has increased.

On November 27, 2018, two lion cubs died, bringing the total number of lions and cubs killed in the infighting to eight. Rameshbhai Boghra, a lion enthusiast from Kharadhar, has written to Forest Secretary Dr. Rajiv Gupta, demanding protection of the forest and lions.

New secret routes have been created for lion viewing in the sanctuary.

Similarly, grass and forest are being cut in the Dadhiyu, Sathar, Bavlo, Dedkiyo, Hodi, and Parsia areas.

If senior officials want to cover up, Gandhinagar has been asked to record videos of this area, as well as the area mentioned in the previous letter, and count the trunks of the cut trees. An investigation has been demanded from Gandhinagar, which is being hushed up here.

Forest officials are hiring agents from cities like Rajkot, Surat, Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad to showcase lions on the sanctuary’s streets, making millions of rupees by inviting them here. The lions’ lives have become extremely dangerous. Furthermore, circus-like displays are being staged by making them run around. There is also opposition from villagers living on the forest’s edge to save the sanctuary. Corruption is spreading. 000000000000
A Burning Question for the Government: Why Are Lions Becoming Violent?
December 1, 2018

The Dalmathas, which live in the Gir forests, have become violent recently. There is considerable debate about why the kings of the jungle have become violent. Lion lovers are blaming the state forest department and the state government, while the forest department, on the other hand, is making no progress in this matter. It has been revealed that two incidents of lion violence have occurred in the past week. On Friday, it was revealed that a lion and a lioness chased two farmers in Ningal village, Khambha, Amreli, shocking lion lovers and the forest department.

Why are the lions becoming violent?

According to information received, a lion and a lioness chased two farmers in Ningal village, Khambha, Amreli. Lions and lionesses have been seen sitting in tents in the Dhari area for the past four days. This incident created an atmosphere of fear among farmers in the surrounding area. Furthermore, the Forest Department’s failure to respond to the incident caused widespread anger among the farmers.

It is important to note that two days ago, on Thursday, an incident at the world-famous Devaliya Safari Park near Sasan shook the entire Forest Department. Two lions killed a forest guard and injured two others. The two lions, named Gaurav and Gautam, have been caged. However, it is known that the two lionesses are still in captivity. There is also discussion about the fact that the state government, in violation of forest laws, has allowed the opening of a large number of hotels and resorts around the Gir forest to promote tourism. This has led to the establishment of hotels and resorts like the Rufous in the forest area, reducing the forest area. Consequently, it has been concluded that the Savjo and other wild animals have become violent because their territory has shrunk, a senior Forest Department official told KhabarChhe.com on the condition of anonymity.

Forest Department’s Lula Rescue
While the Forest Department does not admit any fault, the lions in this incident were separated due to repeated fighting and the lions not having enough time to eat, lion lover and wildlife expert Manish Vaidya told KhabarChhe.com. According to an eyewitness to the incident, Rajneesh was dragged into the lion’s den. Later, there were two lionesses present, along with Gaurav and Gautam (the lion pair).

They also camped over Rajneesh’s body. The Forest Department claims that a pair of lions killed Rajneesh, but two lionesses were also present after the hunt. So why did the Forest Department capture and punish only two lions? If the rest Now that two lionesses have tasted human blood, how safe will it be for tourists and on-duty staff to view the lions there? To avoid exposing the Forest Department’s negligence, senior officials, for profit, don’t disclose how many lions were present at the time of the incident.

Even if they do, most of the animals will have to be captured and killed, and if this is done, the number of tourists visiting Devaliya Park to view the lions is likely to decrease! However, questions are being raised within the Forest Circle and among wildlife lovers about how safe this is at the expense of junior staff.

History of Devaliya Park
It should be noted that Devaliya Park was opened on October 16, 1987. Hussainbhai Nai, Champakbhai Trivedi, and later the late Khimjibhai Bela, among others, managed Devaliya Park. At that time, the lions were allowed to roam freely; they didn’t stay in one place; they would walk, drink water, sit in the shade or wander around when the sun was shining. Great care was taken to ensure the lions weren’t disturbed. But the purpose behind the establishment of Devaliya Park seems to be fading today. Manish Vaidya says that the state government and the Forest Department are allowing more and more tourists to visit Devaliya Park in order to maximize revenue. Furthermore, although it is the Forest Department’s responsibility by law to ensure that wildlife is unharmed and undisturbed, tourists visiting Devaliya Park roam around without restraint, causing problems for the wildlife. It has also been observed that they are harassed by making various noises, as if that weren’t enough.

Former Gir forest officials allege that if a lion migrated, they would be immediately informed (via wireless message) so that tourist buses would reach the migration site, and those buses and vehicles would be kept away to avoid disturbing the lions. Now, former forest officials say this is being ignored.

When will the state government and forest department wake up?
Given the violent attacks on humans by forest rangers in the Gir forests, there have been demands for strict action from the state government and forest department. It remains to be seen whether the state government and forest department will wait for more violent attacks by lions on people or take immediate action.

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New plan prepared to save lions
November 27, 2018

Following the recent deaths of Asiatic lions in the Gir forest of Gujarat, the central and state governments have intensified efforts to save the rare wild lions. The Ministry of Forest and Environment has begun work on a proposal to conserve rare subspecies of lions at a cost of ₹100 crore, including relocating lions to a new habitat.

The central government has planned a special conservation program for Gujarat’s lions, alongside conservation programs for tigers and other species. The central government’s proposal includes using radio tagging for Asiatic lions and relocating them from the Gir Sanctuary near Amreli to Barda. Akshay Saxena, Gujarat’s Principal Chief Conservator of Wildlife, said, “The central government has sought our opinion on a new conservation program that includes monitoring lions and the Gir ecology.” The Gujarat government has announced a special package of ₹351 crore for the conservation of Asiatic lions. This project includes the construction of a special hospital worth ₹50 crore and a dedicated ambulance service for lions. The government also plans to conduct extensive night surveillance in the Gir forest using drones and CCTV camera networks. This monitoring will include not only lions, but also other wild animals.

There have also been discussions about converting land for non-forest use into wildlife sanctuaries under the Wildlife Protection Act for National Parks, and widening existing highways, laying power lines, and laying optical fiber cables. The recent deaths of 23 lions in a short period of time have shocked the entire country, with canine distemper virus being blamed, and claims that many of these deaths were caused by this virus. In 1994, an outbreak of canine distemper virus, spread by wild dogs, nearly halved the lion population in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The Forest Department acts as if humans are responsible for the lion deaths.
November 14, 2018

Twenty-seven lions have died in the Shemardi Checkpost Forest Area in Dhar. Although the Forest Department is responsible for the lion deaths, no one has been held accountable without an investigation. People have lived among the lion population here for the past 50 years. Therefore, they have sympathy and tolerance for the lions. However, the Forest Department’s behavior suggests that the people, not the Forest Department, are responsible for the lion deaths.

But dead animals were being fed to the lions at the behest of Forest Department officials. This is why such incidents have occurred. Killed or dying animals have been loaded into Forest Department vehicles and given to the lions in the forest as food. Those who witnessed these deaths clearly state that the lions were fed animals because of the dead animals. They are saying. Because the Forest Minister is accused of corruption, people believe that no steps are being taken to seek help from forest officials.

No investigation has yet been conducted to determine whether the lions died from stale food, nor has any announcement been made regarding this. People protect the lions, and the Forest Department keeps them empty. This is why lions die. An investigation has been demanded into all lion deaths. The Forest Department fines people for lions crossing public land, fields, or public roads. However, since the government does not punish them for their mistakes, the Forest Minister is becoming responsible.

Non-agricultural applications have been pending at the Taluka Development Officer and District Development Officer levels for the past three years due to the Forest Department’s lack of a NOC. No action is being taken by the government to resolve the pending cases.

Amberdi Safari Park receives a small grant. The grant that is provided is not utilized. Therefore, the safari park lacks basic amenities such as seating, accommodation, tea and snack facilities, shade for sleeping, a canteen for snacks, drinking water, and restrooms. The Forest Department also has no interest in developing the safari park.

The site of the Ambardi Safari Park is surrounded by natural beauty. Khodiyar Dam is nearby. Despite the hills, no one is taking care of the park, leading to a situation that necessitates its closure.

Meetings are being held and Mamlatdars are conducting surveys to close all unauthorized (unlicensed) eateries, hotels, and restaurants. This includes restaurants, eateries, and guest houses in Dhari village. The Forest Department believes that this industry is responsible for the deaths of 28 lions, not itself. 000000000000
412 lions have died in 7 years, this year may see more than 100 deaths.
October 26, 2018

The Gujarat government announced the deaths of 184 lions in the last two years in the Legislative Assembly. The government stated that 104 lions died in 2016 and 80 in 2017. Although these figures were alarming for lion safety, the BJP government took no action. The only lion in Asia that has been killed is in the Gir Forest, in the southern tip of Saurashtra, where lions now reside. Gujarat has protected lions. Lion numbers are continuously increasing, and forest areas are shrinking, so lions are moving out of the forest and into revenue areas.

Of the 184 lion deaths in the last two years, 32 were unnatural deaths. This year, the epidemic has caused more deaths. Therefore, more than 100 lions may have died in 2018.

Once a lion leaves the revenue area, it doesn’t return to the forest; it continues to struggle and dies. Stronger lions push out weaker ones. Lions also enter societies in the revenue area in search of food. The Gir forest has a lion capacity of approximately 250, but now there are two and a half times more lions.

In 1965, the Gir Sanctuary covered an area of ​​1,153 km; in 1975, Gir was declared a 258 sq km national park. The Gir Forest Sanctuary currently covers an area of ​​1,412 sq km, while the forest area is 22,000 sq km. As the lion population increased, they began venturing out of the forest and into human habitats. Mitiyala was declared a sanctuary in 2004, and Girnar in 2008. The current lion population is 600.

When Colonel Watson conducted a census in 1880, he found only 12 lions living in Gir. When the Gujarat government conducted its first census in 1968, there were 177 lions. In 1910, there were 411 lions, and in 1915, there were 523. The lion population in Junagadh is 268, in Gir Somnath 44, in Amreli 174, and in Bhavnagar district 37.

How many lions died in which year?

Year Deaths

2009-10 45

2010-11 44

2011-12 37

2012-13 48

2014-15 54

2016-00 104

2017-00 80

Total 412

7 વર્ષમાં 412 સિંહના મોત થયા છે, આ વર્ષે 100થી વધું મોતની શક્યતા

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Why was a shutdown observed over Singh’s death? BJP boycotted the Ekta Yatra. ”
October 26, 2018

Following the deaths, the residents of Dhari, a town on the banks of the Gir River, for the first time in the country, paid tribute to the lions by observing a nationwide shutdown to protest the Forest Department’s negligence. This move did not go down well with the Forest Department’s authoritarian officials. Therefore, the area around Dhari has been designated an eco-sensitive zone. Now, the farmers, residents, and hotel owners of Dhari will be in trouble.

Punishment for the shutdown

Dhari town and surrounding villages had suddenly observed a shutdown to pressure the Vijay Rupani government to investigate the recent deaths of 23 lions and take strict action against the Forest Department officials responsible. The villages were shut down to pay tribute to the 23 lions, but this has led to the government tightening the Forest Department’s eco-zone restrictions.

Houses will not be built either

Farmers around Dhari will no longer be able to do any other work on their farms. They will not be able to build houses. Furthermore, existing hotels and restaurants will have to close. A survey to determine the number of hotels here began on Monday.

The BJP announced a boycott of the Ekta Yatra and the Lok Sabha elections.

In light of this issue, a large number of Traders and leaders from all political parties, including the BJP and Congress, met in Dhar. It was decided that the people of the state would boycott the Ekta Yatra. The BJP has also announced its boycott of the Ekta Yatra. If the Eco-Sensitive Zone is further tightened, BJP leaders will boycott the Lok Sabha elections as well.

Powerful individuals who own private safari parks here have been trying to discredit the Amberdi Safari Park and destroy its management system from the very beginning.

Reduction of the Eco-Sensitive Zone

Now, residents are demanding the removal of the Eco-Sensitive Zone. They are clearly telling the Forest Department that they cannot save the lions; this is their failure, and what is our fault? If the laws and limits of the Eco-Sensitive Zone are not reduced, a massive movement will be launched and challenged in court.

Dhari was closed on October 9, 2018.

In the Dalkhaniya range of Gir East, a two-minute silence was observed to pay tribute to the 23 lions who died due to the virus and infection at Yogiji Chowk. Following this, the entire Dhar was strictly closed. The Bajrang Dal had appealed for a lockdown for the lions, which received a positive response. As a precautionary measure to prevent such incidents in the future, a village shutdown was announced on Tuesday. Several organizations, including the Diamond Industry Board, Cutlery Board, Cloth Board, and Market Yard, supported this initiative, which also energized lion lovers and environmentalists.

The Lions’ Seat

Permission for a fast to pay tribute to the deceased lions was sought from the Forest Department and the Police Department, but was not granted. Consequently, there was considerable anger against the Forest Department, raising many questions about the Forest Department. People believed that justice would be served for the lion’s death. The funeral of the deceased lion king was planned to be held at the Visavadar bus stand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but permission was not granted.

Lions are considered family

When a family member dies, according to scriptures, it is customary to perform the last rites for the deceased. The people of Gir consider lions to be members of their family. They were shocked by the death of their family member, a lion, and held a protest against the Forest Department.

Lion Love

Lion lovers, cattle owners, traders, villagers living on the Gir border, and numerous social, religious, and NGOs working for lions and the Gir forest came to pay tribute to the brave man. Never before have so many lions died at once in the Dhar Gir forest. The deaths of the Tapotaap lions have deeply saddened the people of the villages of Dhari, Girkantha, and the entire state.

Still in the Shadow of Death

With the deaths of three more lion cubs, the lions are still at risk of extinction. Nearly 30 lions were rescued and kept under observation, so the people of Dhari are also concerned about them. The deaths of the lions have deeply saddened the people of the villages of Dhari, Girkantha, and the entire state. Police deployed security during the shutdown.

સિંહના મોતમાં બંધ કેમ પાળ્યો, એકતા યાત્રાનો ભાજપે કર્યો બહિષ્કાર  

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સિંહના મોતમાં બંધ કેમ પાળ્યો, એકતા યાત્રાનો ભાજપે કર્યો બહિષ્કાર  

Fall How is lion predation occurring inside and outside the sanctuary?
October 26, 2018

The proportion of animals killed by lion families in the Gir Sanctuary has steadily declined. However, the lion population outside Gir has increased. Between 2005 and 2009, approximately 1,675 animals were killed in the Gir forest area. In the satellite area, 696 animals were killed each year.

Despite the increase in the total number of animals killed by lions, the share of animals killed within the protected area boundaries has declined from 3.0% in the 1970s to just 1.1% (264 animals each year).

Predation within the sanctuary has steadily declined, but has increased in the satellite area, where lion numbers are increasing. In and around the Gir forest, lions killed an average of 1,675 animals between 1986 and 2001 and 2,020 animals between 2005 and 2009. (Between 2005 and 2009, 669 more animals were killed each year in remote areas. The number of poaching in the protected area is steadily decreasing (currently only 264 are poached annually).

Initially, there were 52 Nes among the 129 Nes, and the remaining Nes families have settled outside Gir with their animals. These are good animals.

The number of animals hunted in the Gir Sanctuary, including cows and buffaloes, is also increasing. In 1970, there were 24,300 animals, 16,600 in 2000, 12,500 in 1988, 23,000 in 2010, and 10,000 in 1995. 13,100 animals. Since then, the number of animals has been decreasing. The number of animals in the Nes is decreasing. The meat production of domestic animals is estimated to be 6.82 million kg.

Spotted deer are a favorite food of lions, whose population was 4,600 in 1874 and 52,500 in 2010.

Until 1990, no lions were found outside the Gir Forest. As the population increased, in 2010, there were 411 lions, of which 306 were inside the forest. 23 were in Girnar-Daryakandhe, 9 on the Junagadh coast, 12 on the Amreli coast, and 51 lions were in Mitiyala, Liliya, and Jesar.

Since 2014, the government has cut lion conservation funding by 70 percent. The budget of ₹10.28 crore has now been reduced to ₹4.5 crore. Work has been completed.

https://allguja ratnews.in/gj/%e0%aa%97%e0%aa%b0-%e0%aa%85%e0%aa%82%e0%aa%a6%e0%aa%b0-%e0%aa%85%e0%aa%a8%e0%ab%87-%e0%aa%ac%e0%aa%b9%e0%aa%be%e0%aa%b0-%e0%aa%b8%e0%aa%bf%e0%aa%82%e0%aa%b9%e0%aa%a8%e0%ab%8b-%e0%aa%b6/

Despite the deaths of 12 lions due to the railway, no action has been taken.
October 26, 2018

In the Rajula area, 12 lions have been killed in the past few years. Despite the deaths of numerous lions, the Forest Department is unwilling to take any action. Most of the lions died on the Surendranagar-Pipavav railway track. However, no action has been taken against the railway driver or the Railway Department. There has been no investigation into the Pipavav lion accident that occurred on a hill near the Pipavav four-lane highway in the Rajula area.

If a lion dies in a farmer’s field for any reason, the Forest Department pursues the farmer. When a lion dies in a railway or road accident involving a private company, no action has been taken against them to date.

The Lion Nature Foundation paid tribute to the lions at a school in Khambha after a total of 24 lions, including Asia’s pride and the jewels of Gujarat’s Olan and Gir, died within a month and a half at the Lokmanya Tilak School in Khambha.

On the one hand, the Forest Department claims that steps are being taken to protect lions, but on the other hand, lions are now entering villages and roaming around the industrial area and Pipavav Port.

Five lions were seen roaming simultaneously at Pipavav Port on the banks of the Rajula River, causing considerable uproar.

Following the deaths of 23 lions in the Dalkhaniya Range, lion lovers in Sasan organized a memorial service. The Forest Department had already informed them about the planned havan (fire sacrifice) and the Quran for Muslim rituals, but the Forest Department refused to allow the memorial service.

To conceal its failure, the Forest Department dismantled the pavilion overnight, and the organizers, led by the MLA of Visavadar and Ram Dhun, organized a rally with a lion’s photo. A photo of the lion was placed on a public road near the Sasan Forest Department wall, and a program was held, including readings from the Quran and chants, for the peace and safety of the lions’ souls.

રેલ્વેના કારણે 12 સિંહાનો મોત છતાં કોઈ પગલાં નહીં

If 40 crore rupees were spent to save the lion, why did it die?

October 26, 2018

Because the lion is a Schedule 1 animal, it is essential to protect it. According to the Wildlife Act 1972, if a Schedule 1 animal is harassed or harmed, the strictest possible action must be taken against it, but the government has shown no seriousness in addressing this despite repeated incidents. The Gujarat government responded to the Supreme Court only on paper, learned its lesson, and did nothing to promote lion breeding, resulting in the deaths of 23 lions. Demanding concrete action from the state government to breed lions for the pride of Gujarat, Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Dr. Manish Doshi said that in 2007/2008, the Chief Minister of Gujarat launched a five-year action plan special program for lion breeding, for which 40 crore rupees were allocated. So, the question arises: why did the lions die despite spending so much money?

The Supreme Court ruled on April 15, 2013, that lions should be given a second home. This included relocating the forest dwellers, preparing the forest for the lions, and providing them with food. However, the state government only worked on paper. The Gujarat government told the Supreme Court that Bardo Dungar was suitable for lions. So why haven’t lions been relocated to Bardo Dungar yet?

The Supreme Court has taken note of Dr. Divyabhanu Singh Chavda’s research, which states that if lions die out like in the Serengeti in Africa, Asiatic lions will be wiped out, and if disease spreads, they too will be wiped out. So why hasn’t the Gujarat government taken any action on this Supreme Court note to date? Why haven’t any measures been taken against epidemics?

The Leojin Project was implemented in 2009-2010, and crores of rupees were spent. However, there was no vaccine to prevent disease in lions. The CAG report clearly states that the Liozin project is progressing at a slow pace. When the PCCF released its previous report, the 32 lions kept in Jamwala were completely healthy. So why were they vaccinated? Given the challenges facing the Asiatic lions, the state government should take steps with the help of experts to save them.

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The mystery of the lion’s death will remain forever.
October 26, 2018

Lilia, a family of lions, always lives in Greater Gir. Environmental experts have demanded that the lions in Greater Gir be tested and necessary steps be taken to prevent the spread of the virus. Mahendrabhai Khuman, who has been working for 20 years, has demanded that a laboratory be established in Gir. In 2007, it was announced that what could be done if a serious disease occurs in the lions in the future. The Forest Department should not have a lab equipped with modern technology and equipment to treat diseases such as diarrhea, fever, bloody stools, colds, loss of appetite, and low immunity. No, timely diagnosis is not possible. Proper monitoring is not done, and because of this, a large number of lions have died.

Lion show meat is also responsible.

Some Forest Department officials in Gerdesar are running a business worth crores of rupees. When lions are shown meat, they are rendered unconscious by adding chemicals to the meat so that they can be observed closely and photographed with it. They charge 5,000 to 10,000 rupees for this. Recently, a video of lions being harassed by showing them a rooster and a hen went viral, exposing the misdeeds of Forest Department officials.

If the state government’s Forest Department had taken timely action and continuously reviewed the situation, such a large number of lions would not have died at once, and many could have been saved. To prevent such incidents from happening again, a team of wildlife experts should be formed to thoroughly investigate the entire incident, and strict action should be taken against irresponsible Forest officials.

Why weren’t poison samples sent?

Most of the lion carcasses were found near the animals that were poisoned. However, not a single poison sample has been sent to the FSL or the Pune lab. And despite the mysterious deaths of so many lions, not a single FIR has been filed yet. This alone shows gross negligence. The poison was administered indiscriminately, so the real cause remains elusive. The Forest Department claims it’s an infectious disease that can spread. Other lions in the same group are healthy; why weren’t they given the virus? Why did the virus appear only after the poisoning? Why was the evidence destroyed? These are many questions being raised by Gir Panthak residents and nature lovers.

One thousand died in Africa, dogs are not here

A similar virus was detected in Tanzania, Africa, in 1994. Around 1,000 lions died at that time. It is believed that the virus originated from wild dogs. But the lions that died in Karamdari Round—there are no wild dogs of any kind there. In the areas where most lions died, the Forest Department used to load vehicles with poison from outside the forest and dump it there. This has not been investigated. The RFOs here were acquiescent to this, so nothing happened. When forest officers from the Secretariat were offering rewards for sighting lions here, why were they keeping the lions nearby after giving them such poison?

It could be poison.

The entire investigation is being viewed from the virus angle. There is a rift between forest officers and local people because of the lion. It should be investigated whether someone used invisible poison for revenge. Foam was coming out of the lion’s moustache. This should be investigated to determine if it was poison. Internal details are emerging that this was done to collect moisture or mislead the investigation. Special officers have tried to conceal their failure and crime. A special senior officer from the local authority has been called in to monitor the animal care center, which is shameful. Every effort is being made to ensure that the local authority is not subjected to any kind of criticism. It is believed that a larger conspiracy is behind this. Local residents believe that a proper investigation should be handed over to the CBI.

https://allgujaratnews.in/gj/%e0%aa%b8%e0%aa%bf%e0%aa%82%e0%aa%b9%e0%aa%a8%e0%aa%be-%e0%aa%ae%e0%aa%8b%e0%aa%a4%e0%aa%ae%e0%aa%be%e0%aa%82-%e0%aa%85%e0%aa%a8%e0%aa%a8%e0%aa%81%e0%aa%a4%e0%aa%b0-%e0%aa%b0%e0%aa%b9/

The officer in whose custody the lion died was not harmed.
October 26, 2018

However, in the Dalkhaniya and Jasdhar ranges, the last one Twenty-three lions have died in a month, and the state government is investigating and probing the matter. Chanting a rosary, he says that no one will be spared. Meanwhile, the government has promoted B.B. Vala, the Range Forest Officer (RFO) of the Dalkhaniya Range, to the position of IFO despite his qualifications as a forester. It’s said that Vala works wherever RFO positions are vacant. He is a friend of Forest Department officials. Previously, he served as the in-charge RFO of the Khambha Tulsisham Range, where he was embroiled in controversy.

B.B. Vala always roams the forest with a gun. He also posts photos of himself with a gun on social media. He also owns an expensive car. He is fond of cricket, and can play cricket while working.

Vala’s primary responsibility is to protect the lions in his area. If a lion dies, he is the first to be held accountable. Forest Minister Vasava has completely failed to stop illegal lion shows in the forest area, and there is talk that the lions died because of these illegal lion shows. Crores of rupees are being spent to protect lions. Forest employees and officials are paid hefty salaries and public money is spent on all the facilities. Yet, instead of taking action against all officials, they don’t even bother. People are watching the government’s politics. Someone must be held accountable and action must be taken. When the lion deaths began, Forest Department officials were unaware. Locals reported the situation. When the first two lions died, locals reported that the lions had fallen ill after consuming poison from hunting and died. However, no official in Wali or Gir took it seriously. After years of conservation efforts, the lion population in Gir, which was on the verge of extinction, has recovered. It was on the brink of extinction, but finally recovered. Due to indiscriminate hunting, the entire Gir lion species was on the verge of extinction. Winter Blyth (1950) documented that lions were last seen roaming freely outside Kathiawar in 1884. Since then, the lion population has been confined to Kathiawar/Saurashtra. The period from 1880 to 1936 was a period of turmoil for the entire Asiatic lion population. It was only in the 20th century that princely kings, nawabs, and viceroys began to consider protecting and preserving the lion species from imperial hunters. In 1913, when the nawab and the government realized that there were no more than 20 lions left, uncontrolled hunting was banned, and efforts to save the lion species began. As a result of these efforts, lions were again seen roaming in the Matiala forest area in 1917. Additionally, according to the 1936 census, the total lion population was recorded at 287, which was a major relief. After independence, the central government took several important steps to protect lions and declared Gir a sanctuary on September 18, 1965. Since then, lion numbers have been gradually increasing. Since 1980, Gir has become known as the sole habitat of Asiatic lions.

Lion Recovery: A Global Success Story Becomes a Notorious Journey

Their population has increased with each census. The May 2015 census recorded 523 Asiatic lions (a 27% increase over the previous five years). In 2010, the IUCN removed the Asiatic lion from the list of critically endangered species and replaced it with the list of critically endangered species. However, this progress has not been easy for the lions and the Gujarat Forest Department (GFD).

Local people have always played a major role in protecting the lions. However, the Forest Department writes on its official website that, according to various researchers and forest officials, the adverse effects of natural disasters like drought on Gir mammals, some cases of lion poaching and poisoning, and other problems caused by commercial and human presence have always impacted the lion population.

Resurgence of populations where they were extirpated

Thanks to continuous efforts, lions are now out of danger and have re-established their colonies in areas where they were previously extirpated. Previously, the Gir reserve area covered 1883.04 sq km, while according to the 2015 census, 20,000 sq km of land in Saurashtra is covered as Asiatic lion habitat. The Asiatic lion’s habitat is a land where suitable shelters and colonies have been created for the lions. A larger area has now become a safe haven for the lions. Manpower and infrastructure have been strengthened to protect and safeguard the lions in the Asiatic lion habitat.

No one is responsible for deaths in the Make in India logo

The Asiatic lion has now been included in the international “Make in India” logo. These rescue measures, including the careful reintroduction of lions in Barda, will not only eliminate the threat of lion population extinction but will also restore them to their former and safe habitat. Two male lions and a lioness have been transferred to the Barda Sanctuary to create a new genetic line. Furthermore, with the future lion population in mind, breeding centers for predatory herbivores have also been established in the area.

સિંહના જ્યાં મોત થયા છે તે અધિકારી વાળાનો વાળ વાંકો ન થયો

Even after a second lion investigation, it remains unclear what happened in Dalkhaniya.
October 26, 2018

The entire Gir region A total of 64 teams have been formed for the investigation. However, the Forest Department is unwilling to comment on the health of the remaining 9 lions out of 22, who are dying in the Dalkhaniya VD. The operation was launched on 24/9/18, and as of 12:00 noon today, a total of 399 Forest Department personnel (forest guards, foresters, and trackers) from 10 Forest Department teams have completed the inspection of approximately 785 sq. km. of area adjacent to the national parks and sanctuaries in Gir East and Gir West, including 490 sq. km. of protected areas and 295 sq. km. of area outside Gir.

During this inspection, 164 lions were observed. Of these, only 4 lions suffered minor injuries. One lioness was found to be weak and another was found to be very ill. The remaining 158 lions were found to be in good and healthy condition.

The lions in the Sarsiya VD area of ​​the Dalkhaniya Range are being observed and captured, after which their health checks will begin.

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When a former forester went to help a lion, he was chased away by an officer, Gandhinagar Presentation
October 26, 2018

The deaths of 13 lions simultaneously near Dhar have deeply saddened both those working in Gir and retired forest workers. Former forester R.L. Dave, who had rescued several lions based on his experience in the forest, went to Dhar Kesari Sadan to meet the team from the Wildlife Institute of Dehradun. But instead of the Dehradun team, Dhar DFO P. Purushottam was present. “What did you come here for?” He refused to let anyone enter and chased them away. He used abusive language and behaved very disrespectfully. Regarding this, the former forester made high-level representations to the Principal Secretary, Environment, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Gandhinagar, and others. They unanimously stated that in the coming days, an organization of retired foresters and RFOs would also personally complain to Gandhinagar and launch a fight against the misdeeds of the IFS lobby. At that time, people, retired forest workers, and media outlets were saying that the Dhari DFO had lost his senses regarding this entire matter. Thus, to prevent the inside story from getting out, non-Gujaratis are reluctant to allow experienced individuals to do anything to save the lion. They don’t even understand that the lion was saved by the people of Gir and Ghari. Lions are dying because of forest officials.

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The lions died not from in-fighting, but from a virus
October 17, 2018

As if the pride of India and Asiatic lions in Amreli district is in danger, the deaths of 11 lions in 11 days have created an uproar across Amreli and Saurashtra. Forest department officials claimed that in-fighting was the cause of these lion deaths, but you’ll be surprised to hear whether in-fighting is the cause of so many lion deaths. However, since forest departments from Amreli to Junagadh and Gandhinagar are confused about this matter, we spoke to environmentalists and green brand ambassadors in Amreli district, as well as lion experts and lion lovers. In the case of the suspicious lion deaths, most people suspected a virus in wild animals, including lions, and demanded action against local forest department officials. Lions are considered the jewel and pride of India, Gujarat, and Saurashtra. However, their plight is deteriorating, and the Forest Department and the state government, while making tall claims, are completely failing to protect them. This is the story of the deaths of 11 lions in 11 days in the Dalkhaniya Range of Dhar Gir East in Amreli district, and the suspicious death of a lioness in Bherai of Rajula Range. The deaths of 12 lions have caused an uproar across Saurashtra and the entire Amreli district. Following this incident, teams of senior officials from the Gandhinagar and Junagadh Forest Departments arrived, held a meeting at the Dhar Forest Department office, inspected the site, and the deaths of the lions sparked public outrage. The next day, various central teams from Delhi, including the PCCF, arrived to investigate and claimed to test samples after the PM. Despite such a serious incident, Forest Department officials, including the local beat guard, RFO, DFO, CCF, and ACF, had to deactivate their official accounts for three days. Then, on the afternoon of the 23rd, Forest Department officials called a press conference in Junagadh and claimed that the lions died due to natural disease or infighting. While the Forest Department cited infighting as the reason, the attention-grabbing issue is: why did the team from the Gandhinagar, Delhi Forest Department have to flee from Dhari Panthak? Why did the Forest Department have to flee from the media? Why don’t animal doctors speak directly to the media? Many such questions are being raised about the Forest Department. We spoke with the Forest Department and other individuals associated with lions, including the Nature-Loving Lion Foundation in Amreli district, to understand the reasons behind the lion deaths, what should be done for them now, and what steps should be taken to ensure their safety and security.

The deaths of 11 lions in the Dalkhaniya Range of Dhar Gir East were widely praised. They suspect a virus, or a serious illness, among wildlife, including lions. Furthermore, incidents of infighting are rare. When infighting occurs, groups of lions become aggressive, and such incidents are rare. Most often, the Forest Department dismisses the deaths as due to infighting. Whenever videos of lion deaths and harassment go viral on social media, the Forest Department appears to shy away from fulfilling its responsibilities.

It is suspected that a serious virus has been spreading among lions and wildlife for the past month. First, on the night of the seventh day of the Janmashtami festival, the Rajula Forest Department spotted a sick leopard near the Kumbhnath Temple in Rajula town. The leopard was caged and shifted to the Puri Babarkot Nursery for treatment. A veterinarian was treating the leopard there, and the leopard initially ate food at home, foaming at its mouth, leading to its death. Subsequently, the Forest Department declared the leopard dead due to illness. Then, on September 19th, the carcass of a lioness was found in Rajula’s Bherai pond, and a convoy of Forest Department officials, including Amreli DCF Priyanka Gehlot, arrived at the scene. Foam was oozing from the lioness’s mouth. This prompted media coverage, but local officials suppressed the incident and privately confiscated the carcass. The Forest Department has yet to disclose the cause. Two days later, 11 lions died in the Dalkhaniya range in Dhar in 11 days. This also suggests that foam was initially coming out of the lions’ mouths. However, the Dhari Forest Department is unwilling to acknowledge this and is not willing to discuss the matter with the media. In the lion habitat in Amreli district, Lions live in large numbers in several areas of Amreli district, including the Dhari Gir East Liliya Range, Savarkundla, Khambha, Rajula, Jafrabad, and Pipavav. While the Forest Department is conducting private testing, if this virus is found in most lions due to widespread infection, the lion population in Amreli district is likely to decline significantly. However, as per the Forest Department’s orders, all lions will be rescued and tested to determine the type of virus and how they died. However, contrary to the Forest Department’s claims, most people have suspected a virus. Now, it remains to be seen whether the Forest Department and the state government will formulate a specific action plan to save the lions. Only time will tell.

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Something fishy about the deaths of 11 lions, a Central Government Forest Department team to investigate
October 17, 2018

The deaths of 11 lions in the Dalkhaniya Range and Jasadhar Range in the eastern part of the Gir Forest in Dhar, Amreli district, have come to light. Khabarchhe.com had reported that the state government was suppressing the deaths of 11 lions simultaneously. This report has been approved today. The Central Forest Department has taken the deaths of the 11 lions seriously, and this morning reports emerged that a central team visited the area in the eastern part of the Gir Forest in Dhar where the lions died and inspected the site. According to sources, the PCCF of the Gandhinagar Forest Department and the central team from Delhi secretly visited the area and gathered detailed information about the site of the lion deaths and also inquired about the post-mortem reports of the lions.
According to highly reliable sources, news of the deaths of Gujarat’s proud Asiatic lions has reached the Delhi court. Upon receiving news of the deaths of 11 lions, a team from the Delhi Forest Department arrived in Gujarat and visited the site where the lions died.
Sources further stated that the Narendra Modi-led central government has taken the lion deaths in Gujarat seriously. Upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direct instructions, the central government’s Forest Department team visited the site and, in addition to interviewing local officials and staff of the state’s Forest Department. The team included a representative from the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the AIG, Joint Director of Wildlife. After a detailed investigation by the Central Forest Department team, a detailed report will be submitted to the central government. It is important to note that in the past few days, the carcasses of 11 lions have been found in the East-West Garden of the Dhar Gir Forest in Amreli district. According to Forest Department data, a total of 11 lions have died in the past 11 days. The Forest Department has attributed these deaths to infighting, but there is speculation that the lions died due to a virus. The large number of lion deaths in Gir, the pride of Gujarat and the Asiatic lions, has shocked the administration. It has been learned that six lion cubs, three female lions, and two male lions have died during treatment in the Dalkhaniya range in the eastern part of the Gir forest over the past 12 days. The Gujarat High Court had previously expressed concern over the increasing unnatural deaths of lions in Gir and filed a suo motu petition. In the past two years, 184 lions have died in Gir. Of these, 32 died unnatural deaths. In response to a question in the Gujarat Assembly, the government acknowledged the unnatural deaths. According to the 2015 lion census, there are a total of 523 lions in Gir. Asiatic lions are found only in Gir. Lions are migrating from the sanctuary due to several reasons, including increasing disturbances in the Gir forest. According to the 2015 Theyali lion census, 523 lions live in the Gir forest and surrounding areas.

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High Court Issues Guidelines on the Death of 23 Lions
October 17, 2018

The Gujarat High Court today issued a directive regarding the deaths of 23 lions in the Gir forest over the past month. The court directed the state government to address three issues, including electric fencing, open wells, and virus infection, and asked the government to take serious action to resolve them. The local district collector has also been directed to submit a progress report every two weeks. A detailed report has also been submitted to the state government by January 15, 2019.

In September, the Gujarat High Court reprimanded the state government for the deaths of lions in the Dalkhaniya Range, a pride of Gujarat, east of Gir. On Wednesday, the Gujarat High Court issued a directive on a petition filed regarding the deaths of these lions. The High Court took the premature deaths seriously. The Gujarat High Court also issued directives on three key issues: The state government should take necessary steps, as advised by experts, to prevent the spread of the virus among lions. This was done because most of the lions that died were found to be infected with the canine distemper virus. The state government or the Forest Department has not yet disclosed how the virus spread and what the underlying cause was. The High Court reportedly noted that the state government failed to take appropriate action in the case of the deaths of 23 lions one after the other. Furthermore, the High Court suggested This means that the state government should take serious action regarding the issue of open wells in the fields of the Gir Forest. Under this, the state government has been directed to provide subsidy to farm owners for open wells in this area. Furthermore, farm owners install electric fencing to protect standing crops, which causes lions to enter the fields and die from electrocution. The High Court has also questioned the state government in this matter and directed the state government to find a proper solution. Additionally, the High Court has questioned the central government as to why such a large amount is allocated for tiger conservation, while only 95,000 rupees are allocated for the conservation of Asiatic lions. The High Court has also sought a response from the central government in this matter.
Following the Gujarat High Court’s directive, the High Court has also directed that the local district collector must submit a progress report every fifteen days on all three issues mentioned. Additionally, the state government has been directed to submit a detailed report to the High Court by January 15, 2019, outlining the steps taken to address these three issues. The High Court has postponed further hearing in the case until January 16, 2019.

It is noteworthy that in September, the Gujarat High Court expressed displeasure with the work of the state government, including zoologists, and the Forest Department regarding the deaths of 23 lions within a few days. A petition was filed in the High Court regarding this matter. Following the hearing, the High Court issued a directive addressing three key points and directed the state government to take action in this regard.

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Lions’ four-month holiday ends, jungle safari begins today
October 16, 2018

Tourist movement will resume today in the Gir forests, the pride of Gujarat and home to lions. Following the lions’ four-month break, the Forest Department will open the forest gates to tourists starting today. Furthermore, the Gujarat government has increased the number of permits to accommodate the growing number of tourists each year.

Due to the lions’ four-month mating season, from June 15th to October 16th, the Forest Department bans tourist entry into the Gir Forest. A Forest Department official explained that the reason behind this ban is to prevent any disturbance during the lions’ mating season. Following the lions’ four-month break, the number of tourists in the Gir Forest will increase again starting Tuesday. Previously, the state government issued 90 permits per day, but due to the tourism department’s promotions over the past few years, the number of tourists visiting the Gir Forest has increased significantly, so the state government has decided to issue 150 permits per day starting this year. The Forest Department has officially announced that the number of permits has been increased by 60 per day. To view lions, tourists are taken to the Gir forests in a jeep, which is accompanied by a guide. However, tourists must obtain a permit in advance, which must be done online. This permit requires a total payment of ₹2,700. Of this amount, ₹800 is charged for the permit, ₹1,500 for the jeep, and ₹400 for the guide. Importantly, tourists must travel in a Forest Department-owned jeep to view lions; private vehicles are not permitted. This year, the state government has also arranged for special jeeps for lion viewing in Devaliya Park. These jeeps will be equipped with iron cages, so that if a lion attacks during the viewing, tourists will not be harmed. Until now, lion viewing in Devaliya Park was only available by Forest Department bus. However, this year, for the first time, 70 jeeps with iron cages will be available for the Devaliya Jungle Safari. And this year, a unique feature of Devaliya Park is that for the first time, 25 female guides have also been hired.
According to highly reliable sources, some officials are illegally conducting lion viewings, preferring nighttime. Lions typically roam the forest at night to hunt or drink water, and some corrupt officials are taking advantage of this. It is also said that the antidote administered during such illegal lion viewings spreads a virus that killed 23 lions in the Dalkhaniya range east of Gir in September. Most of these lions have also been found to have canine distemper virus. Following this incident, Gir Jungle Safari tours are resuming today, just as the lions’ vacations are over. It’s worth noting that on Monday, the Gujarat High Court took the Gir lion deaths seriously. Following an affidavit filed by the state government during a writ petition hearing on Wednesday, the High Court is likely to issue new guidelines for lions. It remains to be seen whether the state government and the Forest Department have taken the recent incident seriously.

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21 lions dead, special vaccine to be ordered from the US to save wild animals

October 16, 2018

It appears that Gujarat and the Asiatic lions, considered the pride of the state, have suffered a major setback. Even though a total of 21 lions have died in the last 16 days, the state government is still harping on protection. On the one hand, while lions are dying one after another, it is being shown that the forest department is taking action. The Forest Department team is only conducting a superficial investigation and taking action. In reality, a mysterious virus is responsible for the lions’ deaths, but the state Forest Department is still unwilling to accept this. Meanwhile, according to a press release issued by the Forest Department, a total of 11 lions died between September 12th and 19th in the Dalkhaniya Range and Jasdhar Range of the Gir (East) region. Seven of them were found dead in the wild, while four died during treatment. Postmortem reports on these lions indicate that the primary causes of death were injuries sustained in combat, respiratory and liver failure, and other causes. Furthermore, it is being claimed that lions from that area have been rescued and brought to Jasdhar Rescue Center for health check-ups for all other lions living in the area. Individual samples from all the lions have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, the Veterinary College, Junagadh, and the Forensic Science Laboratory, Junagadh. So that all cases related to these lion deaths can be studied in depth and immediate steps can be taken for their long-term survival. According to sources, from September 24th to September 29th, 140 teams of 550 people screened lions in an area of ​​approximately 3,000 square kilometers to find injured and sick lions. The lion count has increased compared to the previous lion count. Approximately 600 lions were sighted, of which only 9 were found sick, of which 4 were treated on the spot and five were brought to a rescue center for treatment. Meanwhile, according to a list from the Chief Conservator of Forests of the Wildlife Circle in Gandhinagar, no such cases have been reported anywhere else in Gir. Meanwhile, a total of 10 lions rescued from the Dalkhaniya Range forest area between September 20th and 30th have died during treatment. According to a report from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, blood samples from all the rescued injured lions and tissue samples from dead lions have been found to be positive for the virus in four lions. In another six cases, reports from the Veterinary College, Junagadh, suggest that some protozoa infections transmitted by TICKS have been detected. Sources indicate that all these infections are confined to lions in the Sarsia (Debtors) area. According to the Forest Department, as a precautionary measure, the state government has rescued all the lions that normally reside in the Semardi area near Sarsia and brought them to the Jamwala Rescue Center. They are also being kept under observation at the rescue center to isolate and insulate them, monitor their disease status, and provide treatment if necessary. The 31 lions rescued from the Semardi area have shown no symptoms of the disease and are currently reported to be healthy. The press release stated that the state government is providing expert services to the lions, including three experts from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, five experts from the Delhi Zoo, and two experts from the Lion Safari in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. Experts from all these teams have examined the lions and reviewed collection reports and documents, as well as blood samples, kidney and liver function tests, etc. Based on the advice provided, the state government will immediately take further action. Furthermore, as a precautionary measure, the state government is also sourcing certain vaccines from the United States to ensure immediate precautionary measures can be taken.

21 સિંહોનાં થયાં મોત, સાવજને બચાવવા અમેરિકાથી ખાસ વેક્સિન મંગાવાશે

The cabinet meeting has been extended. State government sources said that the cabinet meeting was scheduled to discuss the lion deaths, but the decision was made to postpone the meeting due to a petition filed in the Supreme Court regarding the lion deaths and the notice issued by the Supreme Court based on it.

It is being seen that the state government is failing to protect the Asiatic lions, which are found only in the Gir forests throughout Asia and the country. Over the past 20 days, lions have died in Dalkhaniya and Jashdhar Rann in Dhari, east of Gir. A total of 23 lions have died in the state. Lion lovers have accused the state government and the Forest Department of suppressing the matter. Regarding the lion deaths, the state government and Forest Department have consistently maintained that these lions died due to infighting, while animal experts and local residents believe that these lions died due to a virus. Although the government and the Forest Department repeatedly tried to suppress the matter, the Forest Department finally had to admit that five of the dead lions died due to a virus. However, animal experts did not like this. Meanwhile, the state government was also shocked when two more lions died late Tuesday evening. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, as always, reiterated that the government is serious about the lion deaths and that samples from all the dead lions have been sent to different labs. After the reports come back, if anyone is found guilty in this case, action will definitely be taken against them. Sources said that late that evening, a team of doctors was sent to the Gir forest to treat the wild animals. The newly constructed Jamwala Animal Care Center has become full due to the increasing number of sick lions. A total of 27 lions have been brought to the center for treatment. Sources also revealed that a team of two experts from Delhi is also on duty at the center. According to sources, the Jamwala Animal Care Center is full, so lions brought for treatment will now be taken to Sasan. However, on Wednesday, a wildlife expert filed a petition in the Supreme Court, and considering the lion deaths a serious matter, the Supreme Court reprimanded and severely criticized the state government. It also issued a notice asking how serious the state government is in investigating the lion deaths and what steps it has taken to save the remaining lions. It has also been directed to provide information to the Supreme Court. It is noteworthy that the state Forest Minister visited the range where the lions died on Saturday and praised the work of the forest department officials and staff. It should be noted that 184 lions have died in Gir in the last two years. Of these, 32 were unnatural deaths. In response to a question in the Gujarat Assembly, the government acknowledged the unnatural deaths. According to the 2015 lion census, there are a total of 523 lions in Gir. Asiatic lions are found only in Gir. Lions are migrating from the sanctuary due to various reasons, including increasing disturbances in the Gir forest. According to the 2015 census of Theli lions, 523 lions live in the Gir forest and surrounding areas. 0000000000000000
Allegations of an attempt to cover up lion deaths by portraying them as mutual infighting
October 16, 2018

A total of 23 lions have died one after another in the Gir forest within a month. In such a situation, the Gujarat High Court and the Supreme Court of the country have also taken this matter seriously and criticized the actions of the state government and the Forest Department. At that time, Congress MLA Punjabhai Vansh wrote a letter to Chief Minister Vijay Rupani raising questions about the death of lions.
Congress MLA Punjabhai Vansh wrote a letter to the state Chief Minister Vijay Rupani expressing his anger over the sudden death of Asiatic lions in Gir. He also alleged that it is an unfortunate incident that the lions, the pride and identity of Gujarat, are being lost due to this man-made incident. And the state forest department is trying to hide the deaths of 23 lions in a month by claiming that they died due to infection, which is wrong.
In his two-page letter, he alleges that the necessary work to protect lions has not been done, as despite the lions and lionesses suffering damage to their respiratory tracts, lungs, and livers from various viruses, such as feline parvo, canine distemper, and immunodeficiency, the Forest Department has not taken any concrete action or steps.

He further stated that in order to prevent lion deaths from natural causes, a study was conducted in 2007 to determine what to do if they contract a serious illness in the future. However, even today, the Forest Department lacks a lab equipped with modern technology and equipment to diagnose diseases such as diarrhea, fever, bloody diarrhea, colds, loss of appetite, or decreased immunity. As a result, he alleged that timely diagnosis is not being made. He also stated that illegal lion viewing is a major business, in which the Forest Department itself is involved. The meat provided for lion viewing is laced with chemicals to render the lions semi-conscious, allowing for up-close viewing. Each group is charged 5,000 to 10,000 rupees. It’s worth noting that Forest Department officials swung into action after a video of lions being tortured and harassed by being made to stand like chickens recently went viral. In a letter to the Chief Minister, they expressed concern over the unnatural deaths of the lions and the Forest Department’s negligence. They requested a team of wildlife experts to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident and demanded action against the responsible forest officials to prevent such incidents in the future.

It remains to be seen what action Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and the state government will take regarding this letter written by the Congress MLA, or whether they will declare that the letter was written solely for political gain.

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Forest Department Denies Approval for Tribute to Lions Killed in Gir
October 16, 2018

The deaths of 23 lions, one after another, in the Dalkhaniya Range in the eastern part of the Gir Forest have caused a major uproar. On one hand, the state Forest Department is showing negligence in caring for the lions, while on the other, attempts have been made to conceal the lions’ deaths, first by killing them in a fight, and then by attempting to cover up the deaths of forest officials and staff. The Supreme Court and the state High Court have taken the lion deaths seriously and issued notices to the state government to provide details of the steps taken to protect the lions.
The deaths of the pride of Gujarat, the lions, have enraged lion lovers as well as the people of Gujarat. While Asiatic lions are found only in the Gir region of Gujarat, the Forest Department and the state government have done much to protect this rare wild animal. The number of wild animals in the Gir forests has been decreasing over the past few years. The deaths of 23 Dalmatian lions in just a short period of time over the past month have raised concerns among environmentalists and animal experts, who have demanded the government investigate the true cause of death and take action.

A program was held in Gir Somnath district to pay tribute to the Ratna lions of Gujarat. People from all communities participated in the tribute ceremony and prayers were offered across all religions. However, the local forest department denied permission, angering environmentalists and lion lovers.
In the past month, 23 lions have died in the Gir East region. To pay tribute to these lions, protect the remaining lions, and strengthen the forest department with goodwill, programs were organized in Sasan Gir, the birthplace of the Asiatic lion, with religious rituals from all religions under the auspices of the Environment Conservation Committee. When the local forest department learned of this, it denied permission for the event, angering lion lovers, and reportedly leading to a brief altercation between the lion lovers and the forest department.

It is noteworthy that the state forest minister also visited the range where the lions died on Saturday and praised the work of forest department officials and staff. It should be noted that 184 lions have died in Gir in the past two years. Of these, 32 died unnatural deaths. In response to a question in the Gujarat Assembly, the government acknowledged the unnatural deaths. According to the 2015 lion census, there are 523 lions in Gir. Asiatic lions are found only in Gir. Lions are migrating from the sanctuary due to various reasons, including increasing disturbances in the Gir forest. According to the 2015 Theyali Lion Census, 523 lions live in the Gir Forest and surrounding areas.

Lightning strikes forest: Lions die in Barda Dungar colony
October 16, 2018

The world-famous Asiatic lion, or lion, may be the king of the jungle, but Forest Department officials consider it merely a means of attracting tourists. Consequently, various activities are posing a threat to the lions. People are desperate to see lions, and all actions taken to capitalize on this expectation are a threat to their survival. The lions’ presence in Barda Dungar will only lead to death. Furthermore, the negligence of ground staff and the ego of senior officials are responsible for what is happening in the Dalkhaniya Range.

The Babesia protozoa disease and the canine distemper virus are being blamed for this massive lion death, but this is merely an attempt to divert public attention. The Forest Department officials’ false confidence is responsible for this incident. If this hadn’t happened, and if they had acted in the right direction instead of propounding false theories when faced with such a massive lion death, some of the 23 lions could have been saved.

Even after this massive lion death in the Dalkhaniya Range of the Dhar forest area in Amreli district, lion deaths continued. Almost an entire lion family has died. So far, it seems the real reason behind this phenomenon will never be revealed. However, this incident has raised many questions about the Forest Department officials’ policies. Retired Forest Department officer K.R. Waghasia says the role of staff who constantly monitor wildlife in the forest could be crucial at this time. But officials don’t discuss this issue with junior staff, either in public or private, to avoid hurting their egos. This poses a significant threat to the Gir forest and the lions.
On the one hand, amid the rumors that the lions in Gir are not safe from the epidemic, there are also rumors that efforts have been underway to relocate the lions to the Barda Dungar area. Waghasia says that efforts have been underway for 20 years, and Forest Department officials have not been successful. Nevertheless, attempting to build a new home for the lions in the Barda forest area would be tantamount to pushing the lions to their doom. The geographical conditions of the Barda forest are not conducive to long-term survival. Furthermore, due to the rocky terrain, lions are unable to walk in such terrain, and their feet become cracked, making it difficult for them to survive.
Efforts are underway to provide medical protection to the lions from this deadly disease. Then, another question has arisen: are the veterinarians who treat lions knowledgeable about the bodies and effects of wild animals? And another question is that the Forest Department employs doctors who perform this important responsibility at a fixed salary. Therefore, when another opportunity arises, these doctors often move elsewhere, leading to a persistent shortage of experienced doctors. Furthermore, after the mass lion deaths, one thing is clear: the lion, considered the pride of Gir, is not merely a showpiece but the lifeblood of the forest, and if it is to be saved, action must be taken in the right direction, isn’t it? 0000000000
Lion deaths not due to a virus, but due to infighting
October 16, 2018

The deaths of 11 lions in the past 11 days have caused a huge uproar. And when it was revealed that all these lions were from the eastern part of the Gir forest in Dhar, Amreli district, When the deaths in the Dalkhaniya Range were reported, security forces were alerted and began searching the Gir forests to determine the cause. However, at first glance, it appears that the state government’s forest department is suppressing this matter as well. The government has cited lion infighting as the cause. However, looking at the carcasses of the lions, it appears that these deaths were not caused by infighting, but rather by a virus. Foam was seen coming out of the lions’ mouths, suggesting that when a fight occurs, there should be visible injuries on their bodies. Consequently, zoologists are raising numerous questions about the government’s forest department’s functioning.
This afternoon, at the conclusion of the preliminary investigation, the state’s Chief Conservator of Forests, G.K. Sinha, clarified in a press conference that the 11 lions had died, and that their deaths were not due to a virus, but rather due to territorial disputes, i.e., a fight between lions. The 11 lions that died were not just in the Dalkhaniya Range, but also in the other Jasadhar Range. He stated that nine lions died in the Dalkhaniya Range and two in the Jasadhar Range.
The press release issued regarding this entire incident has also sparked a major controversy. This press release states that the post-mortem reports of two lions are still pending, while Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sinha states that the post-mortem reports of three lions are still pending. This suggests that the state government’s Forest Department is trying to conceal the lion deaths. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was in Bharuch, responded to the lion deaths by stating that an investigation is underway and the truth will be revealed. If the lion deaths are unnatural, then strict action will be taken against those responsible. It is important to note that in the last 48 hours, the carcasses of three lions have been recovered from the East-West Garden of the Dhar Gir Forest in Amreli district. According to Forest Department data, a total of 11 lions have died in the last 12 days. The Forest Department has stated that the deaths were due to influenza and pneumonia. The massive deaths of Gir lions, the pride of Gujarat and famous for its Asiatic lions, have shocked the system. It has been learned that in the Dalkhaniya Range in the eastern part of the Gir Forest, six lion cubs, three female lions, and two male lions have died during treatment in the last 12 days. The Gujarat High Court has also expressed concern over the increasing unnatural deaths of lions in Gir and filed a suo motu petition. In the last two years, 184 lions have died in Gir. Of these 184 lion deaths, 32 were unnatural deaths. In response to a question in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, the government acknowledged the unnatural deaths of lions. According to the 2015 lion census, there are 523 lions in Gir. Asiatic lions are found only in Gir. Lions are migrating from the sanctuary due to various reasons, including increasing disturbances in the Gir forest. According to the 2015 census of Theli lions, 523 lions live in the Gir forest and surrounding areas. 0000000000000
High Court to formulate new guidelines after the deaths of 23 lions
October 16, 2018

In a writ petition filed in the Gujarat High Court regarding the 23 consecutive deaths of Gir lions, the pride of Gujarat, the state government stated in an affidavit that the government is serious about the lion deaths and that approximately 500 lions have been vaccinated. Additionally, approximately 31 affected lions have been quarantined. However, there is a possibility that the Gujarat High Court may issue new guidelines in this regard.
The Gujarat High Court is serious about the deaths of 23 lions in Gujarat. It is worth noting that in September, a total of 23 lions were killed in the Dalkhaniya range in the eastern part of Gir. This matter reached the High Court and the Supreme Court. Zoologists are also understandably outraged by the lion deaths. On Wednesday, the High Court may issue new guidelines in this regard. They may order vaccination of all lions. They will then order the shutdown of illegal electricity. Additionally, they will be asked to install cameras and speed guns on roads. They will provide suggestions, including fencing at appropriate locations. All these suggestions have been made by the amicus curiae to the High Court. The state government has also submitted its response in this matter, stating that currently, 31 lions are kept separate from other lions. A total of 500 vaccines have been administered to the lions. While an order for 500 more vaccines has been placed.

In its response to the High Court, the state government stated that it is very serious about the lion deaths. In its affidavit, the government stated that approximately 500 lions have been vaccinated. Fencing will also be installed to prevent lion deaths. Additionally, efforts are being made to raise awareness among citizens in the Gir region. The Forest Department and wildlife experts are working towards this. The government will also take necessary steps to prevent lion deaths.

Fencing will also be installed to prevent lion deaths in Gir. It is important to note that the deaths of 23 lions in September caused widespread uproar across the state, and the state High Court and the Supreme Court sought answers from the state government regarding the steps it had taken in this matter. Following the deaths of these lions, state forest department officials Many questions were raised about the performance of the staff. Meanwhile, to prevent the lion deaths, the state government had ordered 300 vaccines from the United States, which were administered to the lions. However, an IMCR report revealed that 27 lions at the Sakkarbaug Zoo had canine distemper virus. However, the state government’s forest department declined to comment on the matter, stating that it had not yet received the report. 000000000000000
21 out of 23 lions tested positive for canine distemper virus
October 13, 2018

The irresponsibility of the state government’s forest department has been exposed in the case of the deaths of 23 lions in the Dalkhaniya range of Eastern Gir. The forest department and the state government had previously stated that only four of the 23 lions had canine distemper virus. However, after samples were sent to the Pune-based Indian Council of Medical Research, ICMR Director General Dr. Balram Bhargava, after examining individual samples from 21 of the 23 lions, revealed that these lions had CDV. When contacted about the report posted on the ICMR website, the concerned official categorically stated that they had not yet received a report.

The issue of lion deaths in the Dalkhaniya Range remains unresolved. Following the ICMR report, animal lovers are raising questions about the performance of the state government and the Forest Department. Zoologist Manish Vaidya stated that the state government’s Forest Department failed to properly care for the lions, leading to the deaths of 23 lions from Gujarat’s pride, Gir. Furthermore, he alleged that some Forest Department officials are organizing lion shows illegally and has repeatedly stated that antidotes for this dangerous virus are being administered at the lion shows they organize. However, the Forest Department and the state government remain indifferent to this matter.

This report has been posted on the ICMR’s official website for four days, but we have yet to receive any such report.

On the other hand, the Virology Department of the National Institute of Medical Sciences in Pune attempted to determine the cause of death of 23 lions. CDV, or canine distemper virus, was found in 21 lions. The state government is touting the action taken after the lion deaths as significant, but this ICMR report may increase the concerns of lion lovers in the coming days.

It is important to note that after the deaths of 23 lions, the state government has ordered a special vaccine from the United States and is vaccinating the Gir lions as well as other animals in the area. It remains to be seen what action the state government takes after such a report appears on the ICMR website.

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Politicians’ Hotels Responsible for Lion Deaths
October 13, 2018

In the last two years alone, 215 lions have died in Gir. Serious allegations have been leveled against hotels. There are 550 hotels operating inside the forest. Only 15 of these hotels have licenses. None of the others have licenses. They have been offering filthy meat to visitors to view lions. Many of these hotels belong to real BJP leaders. A relative of the former Chief Minister of Ahmedabad and a BJP leader who handles the BJP’s financial affairs also owns a hotel there. He is illegally trading lions to support his hotel business.

Also, the forest is home to sandalwood trees, which are also rich in wood. Therefore, property owners have been evicted from within the forest, and this valuable wood has been cut and taken away. This poses a threat to the lions. To prevent anyone from witnessing the destruction of healthy trees, property owners have been evicted, and no one is allowed to visit religious sites. Thus, the Forest Department itself is responsible for the destruction of lions and precious wood. They are protecting the hotels of politicians, and the officials protect them. Thus, such hotels are more responsible for the lion deaths. The Forest Department’s negligence is behind the deaths of 21 lions. Locals are clearly stating this. In the last two years, 215 lions have committed suicide, and the Forest Department’s negligence is the sole reason. 00000000000000000
8 deaths in a single lion family. Why did this serious incident occur after poaching?
September 24, 2018

In the past two days, 2 lionesses and 1 lion were found dead in the East-West zone of Sarsia, near Dhar. Additionally, 1 lion cub and 1 lioness died during treatment. Additionally, five days ago, three lion cubs died in a fight. This brings the total number of lion deaths to eight.

A family of 15 to 20 lions lives in the Sarsia zone. Thus, the cause of death of these eight lions in one family is believed to be hunting and eating a sick animal. Following the deaths of the first lion cub and lioness, who ate such an infected animal in the forest or revenue area, the bodies of two lionesses and one lion were found. A post-mortem examination initially determined the cause of death to be a lung infection or illness. The post-mortems of all these lions were sent to the Forest Service (FSL), which will determine the true cause of death.

When a lion dies, foam comes out of its mouth, indicating a serious condition.

It has been reported that 11 lions have died in the Dalkhaniya range of Dhari Girpur in 10 days. While a lioness was also found yesterday in the Rajula revenue area, the deaths of a total of 12 lions have angered wildlife lovers. Forest department officials have confirmed the deaths of 11 lions. Confirmed. Recently, a convoy of senior Forest Department officials arrived in the Dalkhania area and began an investigation.

Dhari DFO P. Purushottam believes that eight lions have died due to various reasons at different locations in the Sarsia VD. The actual cause of death will be known after the FSL report is received.

According to recent reports, 11 lions have died in the Dalkhania range, east of Dhar Gir, in 10 days. Forest Department officials have also confirmed the deaths of the 11 lions. Recently, a convoy of senior Forest Department officials arrived in the Dalkhania area and began an investigation.

Yesterday, a lioness was also found in the Rajula revenue area, bringing the total number of lions killed to 12, causing widespread anger among wildlife lovers.
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A Family of 14 Lions Spotted in Savarkundla
September 15, 2018

The saying that lions don’t form herds now needs to be proven true. A family of 14 lions was spotted in a herd in Ambardi, Savarkundla. Ever since lions began migrating from the Gir Forest, they have been roaming in herds. In 1968, there were 177 lions in Gir. In 2015, this number increased to 523. Now, there are around 600. Of these, around 200 to 300 lions have started living among people in the revenue area outside the Gir Sanctuary.

Farmer Karshanbhai Dhaduk of Bir village in Ambardi spotted 14 lions together in his fields early in the morning. A crowd gathered to see the herd. On the evening of September 14, 2018, the herd emerged, and Forest Department officials arrived.

There are no more than 300 lions in the Gir Sanctuary. More than 300 lions cannot live within the sanctuary. Therefore, lions are migrating in herds to the outskirts. 300 lions have established new homes outside the Gir forest. They are migrating. In 2010, the lion population covered 10,000 square kilometers. The lion population has increased in the eastern and eastern areas of the Gir forest. Five lions have started moving there. This lion population will expand to 11 to 12 percent of the state’s total land area.

Incidents of conflict with humans are increasing because lions are venturing out of the forest in search of food, water, and shelter. The Forest Department conducts a lion count every full moon. Beat guards or round foresters keep a constant watch on the lions. A strict system has been established to report any lion straying even a kilometer inside or outside the forest.

10 Lions Spotted in Girgarh

On September 10, 2018, a pride of 8 to 10 lions was spotted on Bhakha Thordi Road in Girgarh. They came onto the road in search of prey. This was filmed on a mobile phone. Lion prides have been seen on this road several times before. On November 22, 2013, a pride of lions was spotted in the morning in Nava Agariya village in Rajula taluka of Amreli.

On March 31, 2018, 12 lions were spotted around Junagadh.

On July 10, 2018, 11 lions were spotted in Amreli.

On July 1, 2018, a pride of 8 lions was spotted in Una.

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Lions killed 35 goats, but no compensation
August 2, 2018

On July 13, 2018, due to rain, five lions killed 35 goats belonging to a cattle owner in Visaliya village, Rajula taluka. However, the Forest Department has not yet provided any financial compensation to the cattle owners. Due to the rain, the five lions were unable to find any prey in the forest, and hunger forced them to leave the forest and enter the village area at 1 a.m. Atubhai Bijalbhai Shiyal, a cattle owner from Visaliya village, had built a hut on the riverbank outside his goat village. The cage broke, and the lions killed approximately 35 of the 62 goats in the cage. The goats and lions were trapped together on high ground, with water flowing everywhere. This frightened the goats and they perished. The goats drowned in the floodwaters of a nearby river due to the rains.

The Forest Department had demanded immediate and appropriate assistance.

Amreli Express
Rajula Forest Department RFO Rajul Pathak stated that approximately 35 goats belonging to farmer Atubhai Shiyal of Visaliya village were killed by approximately five lions. As soon as they learned of the incident, the staff crossed the river and went to the scene to inspect the scene. The Forest Department announced that the goat owner, Atubhai, would be provided assistance as soon as possible. Despite their announcement, no assistance has been received to date.

The Forest Officer stated that this incident occurred because the goat owner, Gwara, was not properly protected. The transportation and transport of the goats was also inadequate. A few years ago, the same owner’s goats were killed twice, but no arrangements were made to transport them to the enclosure. Simply put, if this is lion territory, then it wasn’t the right place for a goat enclosure, so the lions found this opportunity.

(This is a Google translation from Gujarati, errors may occur; see the original Gujarati translation for the controversy.)