New Delhi - Three lions identified as man-eaters in western India will spend the rest of their lives in captivity, a forest official said Thursday.
A pride of 18 lions had been rounded up from the Gir Sanctuary in Gujarat state after three villagers living near the reserve were killed since April.
Human hair and remains were found in the stools of an adult male and two young female lionesses following tests, said regional forest conservator AP Singh.
“The male lion was found to be strongly positive in the tests, meaning he was the one who attacked and killed humans. This lion will remain in captivity at a zoo near Gir,” Singh said.
“The females were found to have eaten leftovers. They will be kept in captivity at a rescue centre near Gir,” Singh said, adding the remaining lions will be gradually released into the sanctuary.
Lion attacks are rare in Gir and it is the first time that such a large number of lions have been caged.
Wildlife experts say an increasing lion population at Gir has forced some prides to settle outside the boundaries of the sanctuary, leading to human-animal conflict.
The Gir sanctuary set up to protect the Asiatic lions from extinction has seen a steady increase in population, from an all-time low of 20 in 1913 to more than 520 today.
DPA