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In reply to a question of Una MLA Punja Vansh, the forest and environment minister Ganpat Vasava, said that between May 1, 2013 and April 31, 2014, a total of 66 lions had died in Amreli, Gir Somnath and Junagadh districts. Of these, 55 had died natural deaths.
The minister further stated that of the 66 lions which had died, 29 were cubs, 16 were lionesses and the rest 21 were lions. The maximum number of lion deaths - 33 - had occurred in Amreli. Gir Somnath was next with 19 deaths and the third was Junagadh where 14 big cats had died. Of the 33 lions which had died in Amreli, 14 were cubs and 13 male lions, said the minister.
Meanwhile, officials in the forest department said that the 29 lion cubs which had died were in the age group of 0-2 years. They had lost their lives either during fighting within a pride, while the big cats were capturing territory or had been devoured by other lions. Citing a study, he said that only around 56% cubs survive till the age of three when they leave their pride in search of new territory and pride.The high survival rate in Gujarat's Gir sanctuary was highlighted in a study conducted by experts from Wildlife Institute of India, titled 'Reproductive Strategy and Behaviour of Male Asiatic Lions.' The study also reveals that the survival rate of cubs is lowest in the first year of birth but gradually increases in the second and third year.
The next lion census will be conducted in May 2015.
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