The majestic Asiatic Lion (Panthera Leo Persica) calls Gujarat its home, and according to a 2015 census, around 523 big cats live in the protected areas of the Gir forest. However, the state government recently admitted in the Gujarat Assembly that around 184 lions died in two years (2016 and 2017).

Of the 184 deaths, 32 lions died due to unnatural causes. Many reasons can be attributed to the spike in unnatural deaths, but at the root of the problem is the alarming fact that 45-55 percent of Gir’s lion population lives outside the protected areas.

Now the Gujarat High Court has intervened taking suo motu cognisance and issued notices to the state government and the Centre; the next hearing on the matter will be held on 18 April.