Lion Electrocuted by Illegal Electric Fence in Gujarat: Investigations Underway

A lion in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district was electrocuted by an illegal electric fence. The fence, set up around a farm in Bordi village, led to the lion's death. The farm owner has been detained for further investigation. The illegal fencing is a non-bailable offence under the Wildlife Protection Act-1972.

A lion was electrocuted in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district after it came in contact with an illegal electric fence, a forest department official confirmed on Monday. The fence, positioned around a farm in Bordi village, has led to the detention of its owner for further investigation, he added.

The carcass, of a lion aged between 3 to 5 years, was discovered by forest range staff. Investigations were conducted by the forest department, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams, and the Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL) to determine the cause of death. A report confirmed that the lion was electrocuted after touching an illegal electric line running through the farm owned by Kalpeshbhai Nakum in Bordi village.

Farmers and cattle breeders in the area have been cautioned that such illegal electric fences pose a fatal risk to wild animals and constitute a non-bailable offence under the Wildlife Protection Act-1972. Gujarat, home to Indo-Asian lions, has seen their population grow significantly. However, with nearly half the lions roaming outside protected areas, the species remains vulnerable to such hazards. Environment ministry data revealed that 555 lions have died over the past five years.

(With inputs from agencies.)