NEW DELHI, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- At least 21 lions have died in India's western state of Gujarat in less than a month, officials said Tuesday.
The death of wild cats have been reported in Gir forest, about 379 km southwest of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.
"During September 12 to 19, we recorded 11 deaths of the lions. Of them carcass of seven lions were found in the forest areas while as four lions died during treatment," a forest official said.
"After that from September 20 to 30, we recorded 10 more deaths, taking the toll to 21."
The recent 10 deaths of the lions took place during treatment, after they were rescued from Dalkhania range.
Wildlife officials said post mortem report of the 11 lions that died first indicated infighting, injuries due to infighting, respiratory and hepatic failure as major causes for deaths, while as in the recent 10 deaths presence of viral infection is said to be the cause.
Authorities say the infection is found to be limited to the lions of Sasasia forest area and meanwhile have shifted all the lions from this area to Jamwala Rescue centre as a precautionary measure.
Reports said as per the 2015 census, there were 520 lions in Gir forest.
