Authorities Capture 30 Lions In Gujarat Amid Rising Human-Wildlife Conflict

Human-lion conflict has intensified in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region, with authorities capturing at least 30 lions in June following multiple incidents of attacks and increased movement of big cats into human-inhabited areas, forest officials said on Tuesday. The development highlights rising tension between wildlife habitats and expanding human settlements near forest ranges.

According to Gujarat Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Jaipal Singh, lions involved in conflict situations are being captured and later released back into the wild unless they are identified as repeat offenders or “man-eaters.” He said around 30 lions were captured from different forest ranges, including Mahuva, Bagasara, Khambha, and Rajula, as part of ongoing management efforts.

Singh further noted that among the captured lions, about five to six are suspected to be habitual attackers and are currently kept in captivity for closer monitoring. The remaining lions have been released back into forest areas after assessment. Officials say the interventions are aimed at preventing further human casualties while maintaining ecological balance in lion habitats.

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The latest surge in conflict incidents includes several fatal attacks. On June 16, a 25-year-old restaurant worker was killed by a lion in Amreli district, with his remains discovered near Kovaya village under the Rajula forest range. Days later, a five-year-old boy was killed in another lion attack in Chaturi village in Khambha taluka, triggering protests and concerns among local residents.

Wildlife experts have raised concerns about the scale of recent captures, warning that indiscriminate removal of lions could disrupt territorial behaviour and increase ecological stress. Wildlife photographer and lion expert Bhushan Pandya said that even non-conflict lions may be affected by such operations, potentially leading to future territorial disputes if relocated improperly.

Authorities maintain that the situation requires careful management to balance human safety with conservation of the Asiatic lion population, which is primarily concentrated in Gujarat. Officials added that scientific monitoring and continued intervention will be necessary to address rising encounters between humans and wildlife in the region.

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