The carcasses of 11 lions were found at Gir Forest, Gujarat after which the government officials ordered an inquiry on Thursday.
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“We have found carcasses of 11 lions from Gir east forest range,” said P Purushothama, the Deputy Conservator of Forest, Gir (east). For administrative purpose, the Gir forest has been divided in east and west parts.
“We have collected viscera samples of the dead animals and sent them to the Junagadh Veterinary Hospital and are waiting for the postmortem report,” he added.
The carcass of a lion was found in a forest near the Rajula range of Amreli district on Wednesday and three more carcasses of lions were found on the same day in the Dalkhaniya range, a Senior Official said.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest and Environment Department Dr Rajiv Kumar Gupta said the state government has ordered an inquiry which would be conducted by the principal chief conservator of forest (wildllife).
“Primary information shows that eight deaths have occurred due to infighting. For the rest three, postmortem reports are awaited,” Gupta added.
PCCF wildlife AK Saxena, who rushed to the Gir forest, said according to the reports that most of the deaths are due to infighting and resultant injuries.
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“Most of the deaths are due to infighting and injuries caused thereby, mainly affecting cubs and females. This trend is being noticed over a period of three to four years. No foul play or suspicion is suspected,” Saxena said.
Gir is a home to 523 lions, according to 2015 census.