In the last two years, 286 Asiatic lions, including 143 cubs, died in Gujarat, according to data tabled in the state assembly. Of these, 58 were unnatural deaths. During the same period, deaths of 456 leopards and leopard cubs were reported. In 2023, 58 adult lions and 63 cubs died while, in 2024, the mortality count increased to 85 adult lions and 80 cubs. Regarding leopard deaths, the govt stated that 225 leopards, including 71 cubs, died in 2023 while, in 2024, the death count increased to 231, including 69 cubs. In all, 153 leopard deaths were unnatural. A wildlife expert said: “Usually, number of cub deaths is higher than adult deaths when it comes to big cats, because of cannibalism. Even chances of cubs surviving the first three years is very low, at around 40%.” Another matter of concern is that adult lion deaths increased by 46% in 2024, over 2023.
