Five Asiatic lions, including three cubs, have died in Gujarat's Gir landscape over the past 10 days, with forest authorities suspecting the tick-borne parasitic disease babesiosis in four of the deaths and attributing one cub's death to infighting. State Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia has moved to contain alarm, clarifying that only two deaths are officially linked to babesiosis so far.

What the Minister Said

Modhwadia pushed back against reports suggesting a wider disease outbreak across the Gir lion population. He confirmed that the remaining deaths were attributed to conflict or other causes unrelated to the disease. 'The Babesia virus spreads among animals through ticks. Infected lions develop weakness, nasal discharge and coughing, and in some cases it can lead to death,' the minister said. He added that teams of forest officials and veterinary doctors were actively identifying suspected animals, collecting samples and providing treatment, alongside tick-removal operations to prevent further spread.

'The Forest Department is fully prepared and carrying out operations to ensure that this disease does not spread in the forests. There is no need for concern,' Modhwadia said, pointing to Gujarat's globally recognised lion management system and the continued growth of the state's lion population.

Official Breakdown of Deaths

Dr. Jaipal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of the Forest Force (PCCF and HoFF), confirmed that the five deaths comprised two adult lions and three cubs. 'Four is believed to have died due to the suspected virus (still verifying) and one cub due to infighting in Amreli district,' he said. He noted that such cases are typically observed during the first four to five months of the year, and that medical teams were continuously monitoring lions and taking precautionary measures.

What Is Babesiosis

Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites of the genus Babesia, which infect red blood cells and are transmitted primarily through tick bites. In lions and other wild felines, the disease can trigger fever, anaemia, weakness, dehydration, respiratory distress and reduced immunity. Wildlife experts have previously warned that infected lions become more vulnerable to secondary infections and stress-related complications.

The disease drew serious national attention during the 2018 Gir outbreak, in which more than 20 Asiatic lions died following a combination of canine distemper virus (CDV) and babesiosis infections. CDV, a highly contagious viral disease affecting carnivores, attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. That crisis prompted Gujarat to significantly strengthen veterinary surveillance, quarantine systems, radio-collaring and disease-monitoring mechanisms across the Gir landscape.

Gir Lion Population and Conservation Context

Gir National Park and its surrounding forest divisions in Gujarat remain the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion in the wild. According to figures cited by state government officials at the International Big Cat Alliance pre-event at Sasan Gir earlier this month, the Asiatic lion population in the Greater Gir landscape has risen to an estimated 891 lions in 2025 — a rise of approximately 32 per cent from 2020 levels. Lions, once largely confined to three districts, are now spread across 11 districts in Gujarat.

The Union government's Project Lion, launched in 2020, encompasses habitat expansion, breeding and isolation facilities, upgraded veterinary treatment centres, drone surveillance and long-term disease management measures. Authorities say monitoring remains active and the situation is under control, though verification of the remaining suspected babesiosis cases is still ongoing.