The Asiatic lion news archive - 2007

Stories relating to the Asiatic lion and updates on the captive breeding programme from 2007.

DATELINE: March 17, 2007
Two rare Asian lions drown in Gir sanctuary

AHMEDABAD (Reuters) - Two rare Asiatic lions have drowned after falling into a well in the Gir wildlife sanctuary, their only natural habitat, officials said.

"The lions had strayed into a forest dweller's home, and they fell into a well and died," said Bharat Pathak, a park official.

Earlier this month it was revealed that poachers had killed three lions in the sanctuary, which sprawls over 1,400 sq. km (540 sq. mile) of Gujarat.

The number of lions in Gir, where the animal is bred, rose to 359 two years ago from 327 in 2001, government data showed.

Nineteen lions have died in the past five years due to drowning and several have been killed by poachers.

Forest officials say they are trying to cover around 300 wells to prevent drownings.

Source: Reuters News Service
http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx