Ahmedabad

Amid concerns over the death of eight lion cubs from suspected Babesia infection in Gujarat’s Gir landscape, forest authorities in Bhavnagar district have launched an extensive health monitoring exercise for Asiatic lions, including deworming, de-ticking and intensified field surveillance, officials said on Monday (June 1, 2026).

Deputy Conservator of Forests (Bhavnagar) Yogesh Desai said no symptoms associated with the suspected tick-borne disease have been detected among lions in the district so far.

“During our recent full-moon patrolling exercise, around 50 wild lions were sighted in Bhavnagar district’s forest areas. All the animals were examined by veterinary teams and found to be healthy. Of these, 19 lions have already undergone deworming, de-ticking and preventive treatment. The remaining animals will be covered over the next 10 days,” Mr. Desai said.

The precautionary measures follow the deaths of eight lion cubs in Amreli and Gir Somnath districts, where authorities suspect Babesia infection. Officials said laboratory examination of samples would confirm the exact cause of death.

Mr. Desai said forest personnel have been directed to intensify daily foot patrols and monitor the movement, behaviour and health of lions.

“We are receiving daily well-being reports from field staff and reviewing them every evening. Special attention is being paid to movement, gait and behavioural changes. If any abnormality is noticed, veterinary officers will immediately be informed so that rescue and treatment operations can be carried out,” he said.

According to officials, no alarming signs have been detected in Bhavnagar’s lion population, though the department remains on alert and prepared to respond to any eventuality.

State Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia had earlier said lions within a 10-km radius of the affected areas had been isolated as a precautionary measure. On Sunday (31 May), he said no fresh suspected cases had emerged in the previous three days, while 17 lions remained under observation in the Gir landscape.

The Minister also reviewed the situation during visits to the Jamwala Rescue Centre, the Babariya Forest Range and the Jasadhar Animal Care Centre.

Asiatic lions, once largely confined to and around the Gir forest, now occupy nearly 35,000 sq. km across multiple districts of Gujarat. The State’s lion population currently stands at 891, according to official estimates.