Mon Feb 17 15:31:35 UTC 2025: ## Asiatic Lion Causes Traffic Halt on Gujarat Highway
**AMRELI, Gujarat –** Traffic came to a standstill on the Bhavnagar-Somnath Highway in Gujarat today for approximately 15 minutes after an Asiatic lion was spotted strolling across the road. The majestic animal, filmed crossing a bridge amidst a line of stopped vehicles, calmly continued its journey towards a nearby temple. The incident, which occurred in Amreli district, is the latest in a series of encounters between lions and humans in the region.
This sighting follows recent events including six lions and lionesses seen in a residential area at night, captured on CCTV chasing cattle. Wildlife officials note a concerning increase in lion activity near human settlements, with previous incidents involving lions being injured or killed on the same highway. Lions straying into villages bordering the Gir forest and preying on domestic animals have become increasingly frequent.
While Gujarat is home to the world’s last remaining Asiatic lion population, primarily residing in Girnar forests and the Gir Forest National Park, the expanding range of these animals is raising concerns about human-wildlife conflict. The lions are now distributed across nine districts, covering approximately 30,000 square kilometers. Though typically seen at night, these daytime appearances highlight the growing need for coexistence strategies between the endangered species and the local communities.
First Piper 