Rajkot, April 14, 2025 — A concerning trend is emerging from the outskirts of Gujarat's Gir Forest, where rising temperatures and unregulated resort development are forcing Asiatic lions to seek shelter in nearby villages and farmlands. As per media report, a recent incident in Bamangadh village, situated near the Rajkot-Junagadh district border in Bhensan Taluka, has intensified local fears after two lionesses and their three cubs were spotted in a fenced agricultural plot.
According to Priyavadan Korat, a local landowner and former board member, the lion family entered the farm enclosure during the night, possibly through a gate that had been left open. Trapped inside the seven-foot-high boundary, the lions have been unable to leave, creating panic among farmers who are now afraid to tend to their crops. The forest department has been alerted and is monitoring the situation.
This is not the first time lions have taken refuge near human settlements in the region. A pride of ten lions had previously been sighted in the area and remained there throughout the monsoon season. However, villagers report that leopards, which are more commonly seen year-round and often prey on pet dogs, pose a greater nuisance than lions.
Wildlife experts and locals point to a growing concern over the diminishing natural habitat of the Gir lions. The increasing construction of resorts and influx of tourists in and around the forest have significantly restricted the movement of wildlife. During summer months, the drying up of natural water sources forces animals like lions and leopards to venture beyond forest boundaries in search of water and food.
Farmers are now urging the forest department to implement a long-term solution that protects both human lives and wildlife. They stress the importance of preserving natural habitats to prevent such dangerous encounters. As incidents like these become more frequent, the call for better forest management and responsible eco-tourism practices is growing louder among residents and environmentalists alike.
