Asiatic Lioness dies near Khamba; Total 20 deaths in last five months

10-5-2007

Asiatic Lioness dies near Khamba; Total 20 deaths in last five months

Gujarat Samachar – Rajkot (Translated from Gujarati)

 

Junagadh, 9; One more death of a lioness in village Kantala of Taluka-Khambha on border of Gir wildlife sanctuary has come to light. Since January this year, 19 lions have died in wild in Gir and 1in Sakkarbaug Zoo.

 

Incidences of Asiatic lion’s death due to poaching and whimsical diseases have echoed in Central Govt. Conservator of Forest Shri Bharat Pathak has informed that a dead body of 12 – 13 years old lioness has been found in Kantala village near Khambha. Forest staff from Gir East region has reached the incidence place.

 

Viscera of the dead body is being collected and then cause of death body will be known. Claws and skin of the animal are found intact and hence natural death is assumed,

 

Since January to 9^th May, 19 lions have died out of which 8 have died due to poaching, one at Sakkarbaug zoo due to diseases and finally a cub in Sasan area. Total death count of 4 months and 9 days is 20.

 

(This is word to word translation from Gujarati language hence English may be little irregular.)