A lioness killed a 45-year-old woman in one village while a leopard gravely wounded a five-year-old girl in another, both in Amreli district, underscoring the precarious balance between human settlements and predators near Gir forest.
Sudden Assault Claims Woman’s Life
Sudden Assault Claims Woman’s Life (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org)
Manju Solanki ventured into a mango orchard near a river in Govindpur village, under the Dalkhaniya Range of Dhari Gir East, to water crops on Monday. A lioness emerged abruptly and attacked her, inflicting severe injuries. Eyewitnesses intervened promptly, pulling her from the animal’s clutches. Despite their efforts, Solanki succumbed to her wounds before reaching medical care.
The tragedy unfolded in an area bordering prime lion habitat, where Asiatic lions roam freely. Local residents described the scene as chaotic, with the predator dragging the victim briefly before villagers scared it off. Forest officials arrived swiftly after alerts spread.
Child’s Harrowing Brush with Leopard
In Pithwajal village, part of the Liliya Range, a labourer’s five-year-old daughter played near her father’s worksite in a farmer’s field. A leopard pounced without warning, biting her neck and causing critical harm. Bystanders rushed the girl to Amreli Civil Hospital, where doctors stabilized her condition.
Investigators confirmed leopard involvement through tracks and witness accounts. The attack heightened panic in the community, already wary of big cats venturing into farmlands. Such incidents often occur during dawn or dusk when animals hunt.
Forest Department’s Coordinated Capture Efforts
Authorities responded decisively to both events. For the lioness, teams deployed four cages strategically around Govindpur. Vikas Yadav, Deputy Conservator of Forests for Dhari Gir East, noted that his team traced the animal and captured it within hours.
“The team traced the lioness’s location and successfully captured it within a few hours of the attack,” Yadav stated. In Pithwajal, similar traps targeted the leopard, with round-the-clock surveillance in place. Bharat Gelani, Range Forest Officer for Liliya, affirmed: “Preliminary investigation confirmed that a leopard carried out the attack. Cages have been installed to capture the animal, and strict monitoring is underway.”
| Incident | Location | Victim | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lioness Attack | Govindpur | 45-year-old woman | Captured same day |
| Leopard Attack | Pithwajal | 5-year-old girl | Cages installed, monitoring |
Villagers Demand Stronger Safeguards
These back-to-back attacks sowed fear across Amreli’s rural pockets. Residents petitioned forest officials for robust preventive actions, citing frequent wildlife forays into orchards and fields. The proximity to Gir National Park, a bastion for endangered Asiatic lions, amplifies such risks as animal populations expand.
Communities near protected areas often bear the brunt of conservation successes. Officials emphasized ongoing patrols and awareness drives, though villagers seek barriers and compensation enhancements. The events spotlight the need for harmonious coexistence strategies.
Key Takeaways:
- Lioness captured hours after fatal Govindpur attack.
- Child receiving treatment post-leopard mauling in Pithwajal.
- Heightened vigilance and traps address immediate threats.
These incidents in Amreli serve as stark reminders of the challenges in safeguarding both human lives and wildlife heritage. As Gujarat nurtures its lion population, bridging the gap between conservation goals and community safety remains urgent. What measures would you prioritize to curb such conflicts? Share your views in the comments.
