Indian wildlife park loses 32 rare Asiatic lions

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2007

NEW DELHI (AFP) — A total of 32 rare lions have died at a national park this year, the Wildlife Protection Society of India said Friday.

The society said five lions had recently been electrocuted, adding to a long list of deaths this year at Gir National Park in western Gujarat state.

"The Asiatic lion is one of the most critically endangered species on this planet and this added twist of so many lions being killed by electrocution... is a catastrophe", said Belinda Wright, the society's executive director.

"Preliminary information suggests that the three lionesses and two cubs were electrocuted by a crop protection fence put up by a farmer near Dhari, Amreli district, in an area adjoining Gir National Park," she said in a statement.

"This new...