Gujarat Faces Backlash After 30 Lions Captured in 18 Days Following Gir Attacks

AHMEDABAD : The Gujarat government’s aggressive response to a series of fatal lion attacks in the Greater Gir landscape has sparked a fierce debate, with wildlife experts and conservationists accusing the Forest Department of carrying out an unscientific “mass capture” of Asiatic lions. More than 30 lions have been caged in just 18 days, raising concerns that panic-driven action could create a bigger conservation crisis than the one it seeks to solve.

The large-scale rescue operation began after repeated incidents of lion attacks on humans, including fatalities in parts of Amreli and the Greater Gir revenue areas. Following a visit by the state’s Forest Minister, officials reportedly intensified efforts to capture lions from revenue villages, launching round-the-clock operations in the Gir East and Shetrunji divisions.

According to forest department records, four lions were captured after an attack on a child near Ghantian village in the Kunkawav range, while another four were caged following the death of a youth in Rajula. Twelve lions were captured after the death of a five-year-old child in Chhatariya village under the Khambha-Tulsishyam range, with rescue operations still continuing. Additional lions were captured from Jasadhar, Mahuva and Savarkundla ranges, taking the total beyond 30.

All the captured lions have been shifted to animal care centres at Ambardi, Jasadhar and Babarkot. However, wildlife activists allege there is no publicly known long-term rehabilitation plan or standard operating procedure governing their future.

“This kind of indiscriminate mass capture is a very serious matter. Even lions that have not been involved in any conflict are being imprisoned. Releasing them into territories occupied by other lions will only increase territorial fights. The issue must be handled scientifically,” said wildlife photographer and lion expert Bhushan Pandya.

Wildlife conservationist Mayank Bhatt questioned the department’s approach.“Instead of identifying and capturing only problem animals, lions are being caught indiscriminately. If these lions are later released into occupied territories and conflicts occur, who will take responsibility?” he asked.

Lion conservation advocate Vipul Lahiri echoed similar concerns while expressing sympathy for the victims’ families.“Human deaths are tragic and demand action. But the government must clarify what will happen to the remaining lions that were not involved in attacks. Will they remain in captivity, be released into Gir, or be relocated elsewhere?” Lahiri said.