Carcasses of three more lions found in Gir

The discovery of mutilated carcasses of three lions and a hyena, indicating yet another poaching incident at Babaria range have sent alarm bells ringing in Gir

The discovery of mutilated carcasses of three lions and a hyena, indicating yet another poaching incident at Babaria range have sent alarm bells ringing in Gir, the only natural habitat of the highly endangered Asiatic lion. The incident comes close on the heels of March 1 incident where two lionesses and a cub were killed by poachers inside the protected area of the Gir sanctuary. Declaring an alert in the area, foresters are trying to find out the amount of havoc wreaked by the 8220;gang of poachers8221; within the sanctuary.

It is important to note that though the foresters suspected the March 1 incident to be the handiwork of professional poachers, they were unable to find any clue in this regard.

There are similarities in the two cases. The carcasses were found lying on the ground just 8 km away from the area where the previous incident had occurred. It also lies in close proximity to the forest checkpost. Like the earlier case, apart from the claws and skulls, all the bones were missing from the carcasses. The foresters found remains of skin and internal organs at the site.

When contacted, Conservator of Forest Wildlife Bharat Pathak confirmed the incident and said the entire forest machinery along with CID Crime, police, Forensic Science Laboratory FSL experts and a team of veterinary doctors have rushed to the spot. 8220;Officials doing the round of the forest smelled something foul and decided to scout the area.8221;

Meanwhile, an Asiatic lioness was found dead at Jasadhar range under Gir East Forest Division on Thursday. While the post-mortem did not reveal the cause of death, forest officials ruled out case of poaching as the claws were found intact.