Pride under threat: Time’s tick-ing for Gir lions

By Alok Brahmbhatt, Ahmedabad Mirror | Updated: Apr 29, 2020, 08:50 IST
At least 15 Asiatic lions have died in Gir East due to ticks sucking their blood and age issues in the past two months

Ticks and age issues have claimed the lives of at least 15 Asiatic lions in Gir East, with 20 of them being shifted to a rescue centre in the past two months. Even as the state government machinery is fighting to control the spread of Covid-19, the death of over 15 lions in Gir East range has kept forest officials on their toes in the past two months. This is the same area where over 20 lions died of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) in 2018.

However, forest officials rule out possibilities of the viral infection at the moment despite 15 deaths in two months. Talking about the deaths and reasons, Chief Conservator of Forest D T Vasavada told Mirror, “These number of deaths is natural if we consider the annual average.
However, we are taking utmost care of the lions and have taken several of them to the rescue centre as well. The ticks have been the cause for the low haemoglobin in the lions. They suck blood from the animal. Ticks get onto lions through either their kills or from the grass. The insects affect more depending on the age of the lion and its health condition.” Weaker, older or cubs get affected by ticks easily.

Two lion deaths were reported in Savarkundla range in the past three months, seven in Tulsishyam range in the past two months and eight in Jasadhar range in the same period. A statement by Deputy Conservator of Forest, Gir East confirmed the deaths. It also mentioned several lions were taken to Jasadhar rescue centre and some to Sakarbaug Zoo in Junagadh for further treatment.

Talking about addressing the issue, Vasavada said, “There is medicine and we have started administering it to the lions to boost their immunity.” The media statement also ruled out chances of CDV as of now.
https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/ahmedabad/others/pride-under-threat-times-tick-ing-for-gir-lions/articleshow/75438483.cms