Security boost after poaching of India's rare lions

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2007

NEW DELHI, India (AFP) — Security is being stepped up in India's western state of Gujarat following the deaths of around a dozen rare Asiatic lions in recent weeks, a senior wildlife official said Tuesday.

More than 10 Asiatic lions have been reported killed by poachers or drowned after falling into wells over the past two months in Gir National Park -- the world's only natural habitat of the rare cats.

The 1,400 square kilometre (560 square mile) Gir sanctuary is home to 359 lions, according to the most recent census, conducted in 2005.

"The process to hire up to 600 people who will act as informers has already started," a senior government official, who did not wish to be named, told AFP from the capital of Gujarat, Gandhinagar.

Forest officials...