Additional Principal Conservator of Forest Pradeep Khann admits there are problems. “The incident of poaching does indicate security lapses. But our immediate concern is to focus on investigation of the killings,” says Khanna, adding, “It’s time to review many aspects and strength protection as the department too has many limitations like staff shortage.” At present, the Forest Department has 300 guards, each of whom is responsible for keeping vigil in a 12-km area.

Poaching, unlike in the country’s tiger preserves, however, is not a regular occurance at the Gir Forest National Park, which was set up in 1965. According to the Forest Department this is the first incident of poaching where the involvement of international gangs is suspected. In the past lion killings have been determined to be largely retaliatory killings by villagers.

Asiatic lions were once found in Rajasathan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. It was in 1911 that the Nawab of Junagadh, on the advice of British Viceroy Lord Curzon, initiated efforts for the conservation of the Panthera leo persica. At that point there were only 20 lions left in Gir. Since 1913 their numbers have grown steadily. The 2005 census has put the population of lions in Gir at 359.

But the poaching this month has pushed this question into the forefront: is it wise to have only one home for the lion? If earlier the magnificent cats were hunted down by Maharajas for sport, now shrinking forests, increased human presence, blind wells and electrified fences are taking a toll on the lions in Gir.

... contd.