Only one lion died in poaching in Gir: Minister

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Gandhinagar, Mar 6 (UNI) Of 359 lions in the country's only natural abode of Asiatic lions at Gir Sanctuary as per the last census, only one lion was killed by poachers, six died due to accidents and disease and 22 of old age in 2005, Gujarat Forests Minister Mangubhai Patel informed the State Assembly today.

The Minister ruled out re-settling them elsewhere in the State, adding there was no threat to them.

Considering the total number, the death figure is not startling as a lion's life span is of only 12 to 15 years, he said, adding a number of them die fighting among themselves, by falling into open pits or wells, and in rare cases on being hit by a train.

On steps being taken to check their unnatural deaths, Mr Patel said forest officials conduct patrolling, fill up abandoned pits or open wells and ensure the lions did not come in contact with villagers living on the periphery of the sanctuary.

The Minister said there are no tigers in Gujarat forests, but 999 leopards were counted during the last census. Eleven leopards had died during the same period.

The Minister gave the information in reply to a spate of questions by Mr Punjabhai Vans, Mr Dhansukh Patel, Mr Pradipsinh Jadeja and others UNI VKC SA YA PC2230

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