Gir lion cub deaths: Forest dept awaits sample test report sent to GBRC in next 3-4 days

The Gujarat Forest department has launched a swift and comprehensive operation following the suspicious deaths of lion cubs in Gir, with the situation now fully under control and no new cases reported in the past two days.

Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia stated that preliminary investigations point to babesiosis, a tick-borne parasitic disease, as the likely cause. Samples from the deceased cubs have been urgently sent to the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Center (GBRC) for detailed analysis, with results expected within the next three to four days.

A specialised team of veterinary experts from Junagadh Veterinary College has been deployed to the site. As a precautionary measure, all lions within a 10-kilometre radius of the affected area have been isolated.

In a major drive, forest teams are conducting large-scale “de-ticking” operations across Gir and surrounding regions to eliminate the Itardi (tick) vectors responsible for spreading the disease.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is personally monitoring the situation, while the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is also providing continuous guidance and support. Authorities have assured that all necessary preventive steps, including potential vaccinations where required, are being implemented systematically to safeguard the Asiatic lion population.

The incident has raised concerns over wildlife health in the iconic Gir National Park, home to the world’s last remaining Asiatic lions.