Click to play videoNew Delhi: Forest officials in Gir National Park have discovered ripped and mutilated remains of three endangered lions. The claws and bones of the endangered animals were missing.
Rangers at the Gir National Park (Gujarat) found the mutilated bodies of two lionesses and a cub on Saturday deep within the park.
(Read CNN-IBN special investigation: Gir lions on verge of extinction)
This is not the first time that an endangered animal has been poached at Gir. Instances of lions being poisoned or electrocuted in areas around the sanctuary have been reported earlier as well.
Left now in scarce numbers, the endangered Asiatic lions are now on the verge of extinction thanks to a negligent and corrupt forest department in India.
The poachers left the pelts of the lions, taking their claws, bones and skulls, which are highly prized in traditional Chinese medicine. A forest guard said professional gang of poachers may have been behind the killings.
Forest Department has said it will probe the killings. Chief Wildlife Warden of Gujarat said they might declare a reward of Rs 50,000 for any information on the killings.
Less than 350 Asiatic lions are left in Gir, which once roamed across much of Asia from Turkey to India.
Poaching Deaths in Gir | |
Aug 2005 | 2 Lions killed near Patla Village. 15 Claws missing. |
| Sep 2005 | 5 claws missing from a Lion Carcass. |
| Aug - Dec 2005 | 12 Lions Dead. 5 killed by Poachers. |
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)
More on IBNLive Right Now
MOST SHARED
PHOTOGALLERY
