Rare Sighting: Pride of 14 Lions Crosses Road in Gujarat, Viral Video Captures the Moment
In a rare and captivating sight, a pride of 14 lions, including lionesses and cubs, was caught on camera crossing a road in Gujarat, near the Gir National Park. The incredible footage was recorded at night in the Amreli district in the southern part of the state, showcasing the majestic animals moving together in darkness.
The video quickly went viral on social media, drawing attention and admiration from viewers who were mesmerized by the sight of the wild animals in their natural habitat. This rare occurrence of a large pride crossing a road at night is not commonly witnessed, making it a truly special moment captured on camera.
This is not the first time such sightings have been reported in the region. In August 2017, a pride of 10 to 12 lions was seen roaming freely in a village in the Amreli district at night. It is not uncommon for wild animals from the Gir National Park to venture into areas with human habitation, creating a unique coexistence between humans and wildlife.
The Gir forest is the last surviving natural habitat of the endangered Asiatic lions, and efforts to protect and conserve these magnificent creatures have been successful. The number of Asiatic lions in the Gir forests has increased from 523 in 2015 to 674 in 2020, according to a report released by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
The big cats have expanded their territory to forested patches through conducive corridors and are now distributed in nine districts in Gujarat. This region, known as the “Asiatic Lion Landscape,” covers an area of 30,000 square kilometers and serves as a crucial habitat for the survival of these endangered species.
Despite conservation efforts, a total of 239 lions, including 126 cubs, have died in Gujarat in the last two years, with 29 of these fatalities attributed to unnatural causes. Forest Minister Mulubhai Bera informed the state assembly about these statistics earlier this month, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced in protecting these magnificent animals.
The viral video of the pride of lions crossing the road in Gujarat serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect and preserve the natural habitats of these majestic creatures for future generations to admire and appreciate.
