Five Lions Die In Gujarat’s Gir, Two Cubs Succumb To Suspected Babesia Infection

Two lion cubs in Gujarat’s Gir National Park forest region have died due to suspected Babesia virus infection, while three other lions succumbed to natural causes and infighting in separate incidents, state Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia said on Tuesday.

The minister ruled out the possibility of any major epidemic or disease outbreak in the Gir forest, which is the last natural habitat of the Asiatic lion population.

“In view of reports claiming lions died from the Babesia virus, only two suspected lion deaths have been attributed to this viral infection. The remaining three lion deaths have occurred either due to infighting or other reasons,” Modhwadia said in a statement.

According to the minister, the Babesia virus , which spreads through ticks, can cause weakness, coughing and nasal discharge in infected animals. He said forest officials and veterinary teams are actively monitoring the situation to prevent further spread of the infection.

Authorities are currently identifying suspected lions, collecting samples and providing treatment. Preventive measures, including removal of ticks from animals, are also being undertaken in the forest region.

“The forest department is fully prepared and actively working to ensure that this disease does not spread further in the forest region. No one needs to worry,” the minister added.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Jaipal Singh, who also holds additional charge of the Head of Forest Force, described the deaths as isolated incidents and said there was “nothing unusual” about them.

He noted that the survival rate of lion cubs is generally around 50 per cent , though enhanced veterinary facilities, surveillance systems and continuous monitoring by trackers have helped keep mortality rates under control.

Singh said the two cubs that died were very young, while two other lions died due to natural causes and another succumbed after infighting.

“There is no cause for concern, and there is no epidemic or disease outbreak because both the cubs died at separate places in the Gir forest,” he said, adding that such infections often occur because of low immunity.

In 2018, Gujarat had witnessed the death of 11 lions within a month due to a combination of canine distemper virus (CDV) and protozoal infection. The 2025 lion census recorded 891 Asiatic lions in Gujarat.