On Thursday, Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani said a probe must be conducted to see if the deaths occurred due to electrocution, poisoning or poaching.
Gir National Park Lions.
The carcasses of 11 lions were found in Gujarat’s Gir forest following which the state government ordered an inquiry, officials said on Thursday.
All the dead lions were found in Gir (east) division, mainly from Dalkhaniya range, in the last few days.
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“We have found carcasses of 11 lions from Gir east forest range,” said P Purushothama, the Deputy Conservator of Forest, Gir (east). For administrative purpose, the Gir forest has been divided in east and west parts.
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On Wednesday, carcass of a lioness was found in a forest near Rajula of Amreli district. Three more lions were found dead the same day in Dalkhaniya range area in the Gir forest, a senior official said.
Carcasses of seven other lions were found in the last few days, he said.
“We have collected viscera samples of the dead animals and sent them to the Junagadh Veterinary Hospital and are waiting for the postmortem report,” he added.
Additional Chief Secretary, Forest and Environment, Dr Rajiv Kumar Gupta said the state government had ordered an inquiry which would be conducted by the principal chief conservator of forest (wildllife).
“Primary information shows that eight deaths have occurred due to infighting. For the rest three, postmortem reports are awaited,” Gupta added.
PCCF Wildlife A K Saxena told PTI that most of the deaths were due to infighting and resultant injuries.
On Thursday, Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani said a probe must be conducted to see if the deaths occurred due to electrocution, poisoning or poaching.
(With PTI inputs)
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