3 lions die after being run over by train

 Ahmedabad: Three lions died after they were hit by a goods train near the Gir forest in Gujarat's Amreli district, around 250 kms from here on Tuesday, an official said. The incident occurred near Borala village in Savarkundla Taluka, when a pride of six lions were walking along the railway track passing from the village, which is located near the Gir Forest.

"A goods train, headed to Pipavav port from Botad, hit three of six lions of the pride during midnight, which led to the death of two lions and a lioness. However, an enquiry has been ordered by the Gujarat Forest Department”, Chief Conservator of Forests, Junagadh wildlife circle, D T Vasavada said.

"We will probe whether the train was moving at a high speed which could have led to this unfortunate incident. We will also probe whether the forest staff or the lion trackers were at fault in discharging their duties. Stringent action will be taken against the guilty," he added.

With the latest incident, the number of lions, including cubs, have died in the vicinity of the Gir forest since September 2018, has reached 35. While some of them have died of natural cause, many others succumbed to Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and Protozoa infections and during territorial fights. Gir Forest National Park is the only abode of Asiatic lions.