261 lions, cubs died in Gujarat in last two years

Over 260 lions and their cubs died in different parts of Gujarat in the last two years, the Gujarat government told the Legislative Assembly. Of these, 11 lions and six cubs died due to “unnatural” causes, such as getting hit by a train or falling into a well, the government said.

In addition, 250 leopards and their 90 cubs also died in the last two years in the State. Of these, 79 leopards and 16 of their cubs died due to unnatural causes.

On a sub-question about the steps being taken by the government to prevent unnatural deaths, government listed several measures, including appointment of veterinary doctors as well as trackers, building of parapets around wells near forest, fencing along the railway tracks, construction of speed breakers on roads passing through sanctuaries. State-of-the-art hospital is also being constructed at Sasan-Gir to provide timely treatment to lions and other old animals.