Cyclone Biporjoy: Gujarat govt deploys 200 teams for wildlife emergencies; rescuers save 2 lion cubs in Gir forest

As many as 200 teams have been deployed by the Gujarat government in Gir forest and Kutch district to deal with emergencies related to Asiatic lions and other wildlife amid the landfall of cyclone Biparjoy, said a report in the media citing officials.

According to a government statement, out of the 210 teams formed by the state forest department, 184 were deployed in the Gir Forest and surrounding areas, which consist of nine divisions within the Junagadh wildlife and territorial circle.

These teams were assembled with the purpose of rescuing wildlife, clearing fallen trees, and swiftly responding to any wildlife-related emergencies.

The nine circles include Junagadh forest, Gir East, Gir West, Sasan, Porbandar, Surendranagar, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, and Morbi.

Based on the most recent wildlife census conducted in 2020, the Gir forest in the Saurashtra region is home to 674 lions along with various other carnivorous and herbivorous animals.

In preparation for the cyclone, the forest department established 58 control rooms across the Asiatic lion zone to receive distress calls from the public regarding any wildlife emergencies.

During the cyclone, satellite technology was used to monitor the movements of the lions, and certain lions with radio collars were tracked using satellite signals.

The state forest department has developed an advanced "lion movement monitoring system" to track the activities of these majestic creatures. Additionally, the movement of 40 lions residing near coastal areas is under close surveillance.