322 Lions Die in Gujarat in Two Years, 64 from Unnatural Causes

A total of 322 lions have died in Gujarat over the last two years, including 64 due to unnatural causes , State Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia informed the Assembly on Friday.

Replying to a query raised by Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar during Question Hour, the minister said 165 lions died in 2024 , 148 in 2025 , and nine in January this year . Of the total deaths, 64 were attributed to unnatural causes such as falling into open wells or being hit by vehicles.

The unnatural deaths comprised 41 adult lions and lionesses , 22 cubs and one unidentified lion, according to the minister’s written reply.

Modhwadia said the state government has initiated several measures to curb unnatural deaths and strengthen wildlife protection, including wildlife treatment centres, veterinary appointments and an ambulance service for injured lions.

Infrastructure interventions include parapet walls around open wells , speed-breakers and signage on sanctuary roads, fencing along railway tracks near Gir Wildlife Sanctuary , and intensified patrolling.

While the mortality figures appear high in absolute terms, officials note that the count includes cub deaths, which typically have higher natural mortality. Importantly, the overall population trend remains upward. According to official census data, Gujarat’s lion population has risen from 359 in 2005 to 891 in 2025 more than doubling in two decades .

As per the 2025 lion census , the Gir landscape now hosts 891 Asiatic lions , comprising 255 males, 405 females and 231 cubs , the minister added.