Illness outbreak: 28 lions succumb to organ failure, pneumonia, and other diseases in six months
Gir in Gujarat is witnessing an alarming rise in lion deaths due to illness. Official data released by the Forest Department reveals that 31 lions have died in the past six months, including 14 cubs and 17 adults.What is more concerning is that only three deaths were natural, while the remaining 28 lions died due to serious medical conditions, sparking fears of a widespread health crisis among the big cats.Major causes of deathThe Forest Department’s report clarified that Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), a disease previously suspected of threatening lion populations, was not found in any of the deceased animals. Instead, multiple other ailments have been identified as the causes of death:Multiple organ failure claimed the lives of 5 cubs and 6 adult lions.Pneumonia, anemia, anoxia, and septicemia were responsible for the deaths of 5 cubs and 4 adults.Respiratory, liver, and kidney failure resulted in the loss of 2 cubs and 4 adults.Additionally, one cub died from trauma, another from anaplasmosis (tick-borne illness), and three lions succumbed to natural causes.To curb the rising mortality rate, the Forest Department has been administering de-worming and de-ticking treatments to the lions, along with preventive doses aimed at boosting their immunity. Officials have assured that regular monitoring and medical interventions are being carried out across the Gir forest range.Despite preventive steps, the recurring illnesses and rising mortality rates among Gir lions continue to create anxiety among conservationists and wildlife authorities.
Gir in Gujarat is witnessing an alarming rise in lion deaths due to illness. Official data released by the Forest Department reveals that 31 lions have died in the past six months, including 14 cubs and 17 adults.
What is more concerning is that only three deaths were natural, while the remaining 28 lions died due to serious medical conditions, sparking fears of a widespread health crisis among the big cats.
Major causes of death
The Forest Department’s report clarified that Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), a disease previously suspected of threatening lion populations, was not found in any of the deceased animals. Instead, multiple other ailments have been identified as the causes of death:
Multiple organ failure claimed the lives of 5 cubs and 6 adult lions.
Pneumonia, anemia, anoxia, and septicemia were responsible for the deaths of 5 cubs and 4 adults.
Respiratory, liver, and kidney failure resulted in the loss of 2 cubs and 4 adults.
Additionally, one cub died from trauma, another from anaplasmosis (tick-borne illness), and three lions succumbed to natural causes.
To curb the rising mortality rate, the Forest Department has been administering de-worming and de-ticking treatments to the lions, along with preventive doses aimed at boosting their immunity. Officials have assured that regular monitoring and medical interventions are being carried out across the Gir forest range.
Despite preventive steps, the recurring illnesses and rising mortality rates among Gir lions continue to create anxiety among conservationists and wildlife authorities.
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