307 lions dead in 2 years, just 16% due to natural causes

AHMEDABAD: Of the 307 lion deaths reported in Gujarat between Aug 1, 2023, and July 31, 2025, only 16% were due to natural causes like old age, while 70% were linked to illness or infighting, data tabled in the state assembly Wednesday revealed.

Data showed 50 lions died of natural causes, 141 of illness and 74 in internecine battles. Another 39 died in accidents - two in road mishaps, five hit by trains, 20 in open wells, nine by drowning and three by electrocution.

Experts said some deaths may be linked to canine distemper virus (CDV), which weakens immunity, though comorbidities often mask the cause. H S Singh, lion expert and member of National Board for Wildlife, noted cub survival rate in Gujarat is 52%, higher than in Africa.

Experts said deaths are rising: govt reported 240 lions died in 2021-22, 286 in 2023-24, and 307 in two years, raising concerns over population estimates.