Amreli, May 26 (IANS) Five Asiatic lions, including three cubs, have died in Gujarat’s Gir landscape over the past 10 days, with forest authorities suspecting babesiosis — a tick-borne parasitic disease — in four of the cases, while one cub is believed to have died in infighting among lions.

State Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said reports claiming a wider outbreak among Gir lions were emerged and clarified that only two lion deaths were officially suspected to be linked directly to babesiosis so far, while the remaining deaths had occurred because of conflict or other causes.

“The Babesia virus spreads among animals through ticks. Infected lions develop weakness, nasal discharge and coughing, and in some cases it can lead to death,” Modhwadia said.

He added that teams of forest officials and veterinary doctors were actively identifying suspected animals, collecting samples and providing treatment.

Tick-removal measures were also being undertaken to prevent further spread of the disease.

“The Forest Department is fully prepared and carrying out operations to ensure that this disease does not spread in the forests. There is no need for concern,” the minister said, adding that Gujarat’s lion management system was globally recognised and that the state’s lion population continued to rise.

Dr. Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest & Head of the Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF) told IANS that the deaths included two adult lions and three cubs. “Four is believed to have died due to the suspected virus (still verifying) and one cub due to infighting in Amreli district,” he said, adding that such cases are usually seen during the first four to five months of the year.

He noted that medical teams were continuously monitoring lions and taking precautionary measures.

Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites of the genus Babesia, which infect red blood cells and are transmitted primarily through tick bites.

In lions and other wild felines, the disease can cause fever, anaemia, weakness, dehydration, respiratory distress and reduced immunity.

Wildlife experts have previously warned that infected lions become more vulnerable to secondary infections and stress-related complications.

The disease gained attention in Gir during the 2018 outbreak in which more than 20 Asiatic lions died after a combination of canine distemper virus (CDV) and babesiosis infections.

CDV, a highly contagious viral disease affecting carnivores, attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of animals and had raised serious concerns about the vulnerability of the world’s only wild Asiatic lion population.

Following that outbreak, Gujarat strengthened veterinary surveillance, quarantine systems, radio-collaring and disease-monitoring mechanisms in the Gir landscape.

Gir National Park and surrounding forest divisions in Gujarat remain the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion.

According to figures cited by state government officials during the International Big Cat Alliance pre-event at Sasan Gir earlier this month, the Asiatic lion population in the Greater Gir landscape has increased to an estimated 891 lions in 2025, a rise of about 32 per cent from 2020 levels.

Lions, once largely restricted to three districts, are now spread across 11 districts in Gujarat.

The Union government’s Project Lion, launched in 2020, includes habitat expansion, breeding and isolation facilities, upgraded veterinary treatment centres, drone surveillance and long-term disease management measures aimed at protecting the species.

–IANS

mys/rad