Gujarat, India, is grappling with alarming mortality rates among its iconic Asiatic lions and leopards, with recent reports highlighting significant losses over the past two years. According to state Forest Minister Mulubhai Bera, at least 286 lions, including 143 cubs, have died, alongside 456 leopards, including 140 cubs, during the period from 2023 to March 2025.
During the legislative assembly session on March 4, 2025, Minister Bera revealed these troubling figures, indicating a growing trend of wildlife losses. Out of the lion fatalities, 58 were attributed to unnatural causes such as vehicle collisions and drowning, raising serious concerns among wildlife conservationists.
Breaking down the statistics, Bera reported 121 lion deaths occurred in 2023, followed by 165 the following year, with unnatural deaths accounting for 58 fatalities. The situation for leopards paints a similarly grim picture; 225 of the 456 leopards reported dead were reported lost to natural causes, whereas 153 were victims of unnatural causes.
With just 674 Asiatic lions remaining, as per the last census conducted in June 2020, these numbers raise urgent alarms for the survival of the species. A wildlife expert commented, "Usually, the number of cub deaths is higher than adult deaths when it come to big cats, because of cannibalism. Even chances of cubs surviving the first three years are very low, at around 40%." This observation rings particularly poignant considering the latest mortality statistics.
Efforts to protect these majestic animals have become increasingly necessary. Minister Bera detailed steps the state government is taking to mitigate the risk of unnatural deaths, which include the appointment of veterinary doctors, introducing ambulance services for timely interventions, and implementing infrastructure changes such as building speed-breakers and installing signboards along roads through sanctuary areas.
According to Bera, "The state government has taken various steps to prevent unnatural deaths of big cats..." These measures aim to provide greater protection to the population of Asiatic lions and leopards, with committed foot patrols and the installation of parapet walls around open wells to prevent drownings.
These alarming figures not only signify the rising mortality rates among Gujarat’s wildlife but also pose questions about the effectiveness of conservation strategies employed by the state. With adult lion deaths surging by 46% from 2023 to 2024, officials are under pressure to evaluate and improve preventative measures against wildlife fatalities.
Following these evaluations and discussions, Bera's report emphasized the natural causes of death, noting, "Among leopards, 303 deaths were due to natural causes and 153 fatalities were attributed to unnatural reasons." The continuous rise of unnatural deaths stresses the urgency for long-term solutions to protect these species.
The conservationists' concerns are echoed by the wider public, who view the Asiatic lion as not just part of India's wildlife heritage but as ambassadors of the need for effective and humane wildlife management policies. Efforts to protect these big cats are more than just local concerns; they serve as reflections of the broader environmental challenges faced globally.
Remedial measures are underway, and there is hope for both species as the state continues to research best practices from across the globe. With sustained pressure and innovative strategies, Gujarat may yet secure the future of its revered Asiatic lions and leopards.
By fostering stronger conservation programs and employing preventative technologies for wildlife protection, the government demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding some of India's most iconic species. The spotlight shifts to the community surrounding these animals, prompting local engagement and educational initiatives as integral components of wildlife conservation efforts.
With the public's continued support and engagement, there exists potential for positive change leading to healthier populations of both lions and leopards, ensuring their survival for generations to come. The goal remains clear: to cherish and protect the natural heritage of Gujarat, featuring the majestic Asiatic lion and the elusive leopard as symbols of the state’s rich biodiversity.