In Gujarat’s Amreli, Lion Spotted Resting In Cotton Crops – News18

Junagadh, Amreli and Gir Somnath districts (Gujarat) are home to many wild animals including lions, deer and monkeys. Asiatic lions are claimed to be found in the Gir Forest located in Gir Somnath District. There have been many incidents when the lions were spotted roaming on the roads of Junagadh and Amreli districts, creating terror among the locals. A few days ago, people saw a lion on the way to Bhavnath in Junagadh. Recently, a lion was spotted resting in the Wadi area of Morajar village of Dhari taluka in Amreli district. It was seen sleeping in a crop field. The recent occurrence has created panic among the locals. The lion family in Dhari taluka often comes to rural areas to hunt. They are usually spotted at night. Recently, a lion was resting in a garden in Morjar village. The lion was observed to be sleeping in the cotton crop. The occurrence of a lion in the field has sparked the idea that these wild predators are a good friend to farmers. It can be untrue as the farmer was not seen around the lion. There is a high possibility that the farmer was unaware of the lion in his field.

This is not the first time a lion has been spotted in Amreli. Earlier, this year, CCTV footage went viral which displayed a lioness and three cubs crossing the Pipavav Port highway. The footage shows the majestic animals unfazed by the heavy traffic, with a motorcycle rider even making a hasty U-turn as the lioness observes him with apparent curiosity. These incidents highlight the growing presence of lions in the Amreli coastal belt, an area increasingly favourable for their survival but posing challenges for human-wildlife coexistence, a report suggests.

To curb this, the forest department often appeals to locals and tourists not to throw garbage in the forest. They also ask people not to feed the cattles, pigs or other animals in the forest. Illegal activities are banned from the forest.