Context:
Eight Asiatic lion cubs in Gir Forest, Gujarat reportedly died due to heat-related stress and weakened immunity, not due to Babesia or viral infection (as previously thought). The clarification came after forest authorities conducted monitoring and disease-control measures.
Explanation:
- Asiatic lions are found only in and around Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat.
- They are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Heat stress can weaken immunity, reduce appetite, cause dehydration and increase mortality among vulnerable animals like cubs.
- Babesia is a tick-borne parasitic infection that can affect wild and domestic animals.
- Wildlife deaths require scientific investigation to distinguish between disease outbreaks, heat stress, poisoning, injury and ecological factors.
- Rising temperatures and extreme heat events make climate change an emerging wildlife conservation challenge.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2026 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040
Asiatic Lion Conservation and Climate Stress Risks