An old Asiatic lion, who ruled literally like a king in the Dedkadi range of Gir forest on the Saurashtra peninsula of Gujarat, died on Sunday. The cause, according to forest authorities, was an attack of pneumonia coupled with old age.
"The lion was about 13 years old. Though old, he was strong and powerful and did not allow any other big cat to step into his territory for the past six years or so till his last breath. He was truly the king of his territory and protected his family from other big cats," said deputy conservator of forests Sandeep Singh.
Foresters had been minutely
On an average a lion has a life span of about 10 to 12 years. According to wildlife experts, very few lions get to live for 15 years and beyond. Considering this and other factors, the king of Dedkadi range lived quite a long life, they feel.
