Asiatic Lions Tested Positive for COVID
At Hyderabad Nehru Zoological Park, about eight Asiatic lions were tested for COVID-19. This is the first time that virus transmission to animals has been discovered in India.
Highlights:
♦ The Asiatic Lion is one of five Pantherine cats native to India. Indian Snow Leopard, Bengal Tiger, Clouded Leopard, and Indian Leopard are the four different species.
♦ A male Asiatic lion`s range ranges between 100 and 44 kilometres and 230 kilometres. Gir National Park is the world`s only recognised sanctuary for Asiatic lions.
♦ The most serious threat to Asiatic lions is their susceptibility to natural disasters and unexpected events like plague. However, since 2010, the number of these lions has been steadily increasing.
♦ The Gujarat Forest Department recorded in June 2020 that the population of Asiatic lions in the Gir wooded area had increased to 674 from 523 in 2015.
♦ An outbreak of Canine Distemper Virus killed several lions in 2015. (CDV). Babesiosis claimed the lives of many lions in 2018. In addition, a babesiosis outbreak occurred in 2020.
♦ In 1936, the Nawab of Junagadh was used to administer the first census of Asiatic lions. Once every five years, the Asiatic Lion census is conducted. In 2015, the final census was conducted. The next census was supposed to take place in 2020, but it was delayed due to COVID-19.
♦ CITES: Appendix I; IUCN: Endangered Status of Asiatic Lions - Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1971: Schedule I; CITES: Appendix I; IUCN: Endangered Status of Asiatic Lions - Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1971: Schedule I; CITES: Appendix I; IUC
♦ The Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project was started to protect the remaining population of Asiatic Lions. The aim of the project was to reintroduce Asiatic lions into the Palpur-Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary. It has, however, been put on hold for the time being.