Gandhinagar, Jun 19 (PTI) Union Environment and Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav on Friday said the Gujarat government has undertaken measures for conservation of Asiatic lions and has been addressing challenges related to their protection with sensitivity and commitment.
His comments came in the backdrop of deaths of eight Asiatic lion cubs in Gujarat’s Gir forest region in May.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sammelan’ in Gandhinagar, Yadav said he was in regular contact with Gujarat Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia regarding lion conservation issues.
“I assure you that the Gujarat government is working well to conserve lions and all challenges, including diseases, are being handled sensitively,” Yadav asserted.
“I am in contact with Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia, he has been reviewing the situation. I also recently visited Gir. Local causes (of lion deaths) are also being identified and a significant amount of control has been established,” the Union minister maintained.
Eight lion cubs died in the Gir forest region in May. Initially, it was believed all had succumbed to suspected Babesia infection, a tick-borne disease. However, earlier this month, Modhwadia disclosed the fatalities were actually caused by heat, weakness and low immunity in the cubs. PTI KVM PD RSY
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