Gujarat Minister Says 456 Leopards, 286 Lions Died In Two Years

As mainstream media celebrated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s admiration for Anant Ambani’s commitment to animal welfare at Vantara – one of the world’s biggest animal “rehabilitation centres” – it overlooked a troubling report regarding wildlife fatalities in Gujarat. According to Gujarat’s forest minister, Mulubhai Bera, at least 286 Asiatic lions, including 143 cubs, have died in the state over the past two years, with 58 of those deaths attributed to ‘unnatural causes.’ This alarming statistic was shared during an assembly session on March 4.

In addition to the lion fatalities, the report revealed that 456 leopards also lost their lives during the same period. Of these, 303 deaths were due to natural causes, while 153 were classified as ‘unnatural,’ resulting from incidents such as vehicle collisions and drownings in wells. Bera provided these figures in response to a question from senior Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar during the assembly’s question hour.

Gujarat’s Gir forest is renowned for housing the largest population of Asiatic lions in the world. However, the increasing number of fatalities raises concerns about the genetic diversity of the lion population, potentially leading to inbreeding and health issues. The lion deaths were reported as follows: 121 in 2023 and 165 in 2024.

According to the last census conducted in June 2020, Gujarat was home to 674 Asiatic lions, primarily within the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. In the case of leopards, the numbers were similarly grim, with 225 deaths recorded in 2023 and 231 in 2024.

While PM Modi praised the efforts of Vantara, he emphasized the importance of protecting all living beings. He described Vantara as a “vibrant example of our centuries-old ethos of protecting those we share our planet with.” Anant Ambani expressed his mission to promote animal welfare, stating, “There are a lot of people working [for human welfare], but in animal welfare, there are few… I think I was the chosen one and I was fortunate enough that [with] God’s blessings… I could do seva of animals… I see God within every animal.”

Despite these commendations, the situation for wildlife conservation in India remains dire. In 2024, it was reported that 150 zoos across the country were understaffed and underfunded, raising questions about the effectiveness of animal welfare initiatives. Critics argue that the ethos of protection should extend beyond high-profile projects like Vantara to address the broader issues facing wildlife conservation in India.

Minister Bera claimed that the state government has implemented various measures to reduce unnatural deaths among big cats, including appointing veterinary doctors and introducing an ambulance service for timely medical intervention. However, the public’s reaction to the recognition of Anant Ambani’s efforts, particularly in light of the ongoing wildlife fatalities, has been one of anger and skepticism.

Many questioned the effectiveness of wildlife conservation laws and the credibility of prominent public figures, including Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who has been vocal in supporting Ambani’s initiatives.

The juxtaposition of Modi’s praise for Ambani’s animal welfare efforts against the backdrop of rising wildlife fatalities has sparked a broader conversation about the state of wildlife conservation in India. As the country grapples with the challenges of protecting its rich biodiversity, the need for genuine commitment to wildlife welfare and conservation becomes increasingly urgent.

The tragic deaths of lions and leopards in Gujarat serve as a stark reminder that while some initiatives may garner attention, the underlying issues affecting wildlife populations must not be ignored.