Some Core Issues That Are Hampering the Safety of Royal Asiatic Lions in Gir Forest | Gir Safari Booking

[abhishek sinha]

Last year, nearly 23 Royal Asiatic Lions unexpectedly lost their lives in Gir Forest, Gujarat, due to a sudden outbreak of the Canine Distemper Virus. The unfortunate incident questioned the safety of the poor big cats and raised the matter that they might need a second home. Currently, the Sasan Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only home for them. The government and the forest department's commendable efforts have helped the endangered animals bounce back from impending extinction, but they are still endangered. However, keeping more than 600 lions in one habitat to entertain the visitors making Gir Safari Booking is neither sensible nor preferable.

Here are some of the most to-the-point issues threatening the population of Asiatic Lions in Gir Forest.

Railway Tracks and Trains

Every night, more or less 20 goods trains run through the Gir Forest. This has highly increased the incidents of lions getting run over. Last year, three lions died on the track after getting hit while a group of 6 was trying to cross the track. The population of lions around the corridor in the Gir Forest map has crossed 100. Therefore, any train passing through the area is a severe threat.

Illegal Electric Fencing

Illegal electric fencing violates more than one act, namely, the Electricity Act 2003 and India's Wildlife Protect Act. In 2017, a total of 6 incidents of lions dying due to electrification were recorded. Illegal electric fencing can lead to imprisonment of up to 3 years, but the farmers who were booked due to this unlawful act were released on bail. According to them, they do this to save their crops from wild raids.

Roads Passing through the Gir Forest

Ten crucial roads pass through the Gir National Safari park connecting Visvadhar with Dhari, Sasan with Talala, Junagadh with Amreli, and several other towns on the periphery of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. The roads increase the chances of animals getting hit by vehicles, people, or vehicles coming into contact with animals, and also cause noise pollution.

Mining and Excavation

The stone quarries through mining activity around the Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary cause air and water pollution, which is alarming for the animals. Moreover, there are no walls around the quarries dug around the area, saving wild animals from falling inside.

Some Worthwhile Solutions against the Issues

The Gujarat Government has adopted a new Shetrunji Wildlife Division outside the Gir Forest corridor, functioning under the Junagadh Wildlife Circle. Appointments of more forest officials will ensure the big cats more protection. Additionally, representative lions (from each pride) have been fitted with 'radio collar devices', imported from Germany. The foresters can now easily monitor a pride's location and activity through this tool, and they can perform instant rescue whenever needed.

 

Gir Safari Booking

Gir Jungle Trail

Devalia Safari park

Gir forest

Gir National Park Booking