Asiatic Lions In Gujarat’s Gir Forest Under Serious Existential Threat After Virus Kills 7 - VIDEO
· Free Press Journal
Gir: Authorities at Gujarat's Gir Forest are on high alert after seven lions died in recent weeks after contracting an infectious virus. It is also home to the world’s only surviving population of Asiatic lions. Among the dead lions are four cubs.
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Forest authorities have now isolated 17 lions showing symptoms of infection, while eight animals have already tested positive for an infectious virus.
VIDEO | Junagarh, Gujarat: Eight lions including four cubs die in Gir forests in a span of ten days. Babesiosis infection is suspected. Gujarat Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia informs: #GirForests #Lions pic.twitter.com/lRDZyJxTAj
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 28, 2026
There are fewer than 900 Asiatic lions surviving, according to the Gujarat Forest Department. They are only present within the boundaries of the Gir Forest, making any virus outbreak here a threat to the entire species.
Why are lions dying?
The deaths may be reportedly related either to Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) or Babesia, a dangerous tick-borne parasitic infection that attacks red blood cells and can prove fatal in severe cases.
Another possible cause being investigated is Babesia, a parasite that infects red blood cells and can cause severe illness.
Watch | The Gujarat Forest Department carries out vaccination and de-ticking treatment of Asiatic lions in Gir amid the death of lion cubs in the region. pic.twitter.com/Qvi53vm75n
— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) May 28, 2026
More than 350 lions across Gir are reportedly undergoing preventive de-ticking and medical checks, as seasonal diseases typically spike during the summer months.
Mumbai: Byculla Zoo Approves Animal Exchange To Bring 4 Asiatic Lions From Gujarat’s Sakkarbaug ZooCM chairs meeting
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a high-level meeting over the development on May 27, 2026.