Wednesday, July 16, 2014

2 lion cubs found dead near Rajula

08-07-2014
2 lion cubs found dead near Rajula
The Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Rajkot/2-lion-cubs-found-dead-near-Rajula/articleshow/38015466.cms

Two lion cubs were found dead on the outskirts of Uchaiya village in Rajula taluka of Amreli on Monday.

"Preliminary report suggests that the cubs were about 15-day-old and they may have died 24 hours ago. It seems that two cubs were abandoned by their mother (lioness) and they died of hunger,'' veterinary doctor, Gir (East division) of Junagadh wildlife division, Hitesh Vamja said.

Sources said the lioness had given birth to two cubs about a fortnight ago near Uchaiya village. One of the cubs may have died 48 hours ago, while the second may have died 24 hours ago.

Forest officials are searching for the lioness that was not found in and around the area where cubs were found dead. The lion cubs can't hunt their prey themselves and are dependent on their mother for food.

Wildlife activists and nature lovers along with officials are concerned over the large number of lion deaths in the last five years. Sources said more 255 lions have died in the last five years in and around Gir wildlife sanctuary, the last abode of Asiatic lions in the world. According to the May 2010 census, there were 411 lions in the state. Experts say that many of the lions have died unnatural deaths.

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