Which virus was identified as responsible for the recent deaths of Asiatic lions in Gir National Park in India?

Introduction / Context:
This question covers current affairs and wildlife conservation, focusing on a disease outbreak that affected the endangered Asiatic lions in Gir National Park in India. Understanding which virus caused the deaths is important for exams that integrate environment and ecology with general knowledge. Disease outbreaks in protected areas not only threaten biodiversity but also raise awareness about zoonotic diseases and the need for veterinary surveillance in wildlife populations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The affected animals are Asiatic lions in Gir National Park.
• The question asks for the virus responsible for recent deaths.
• Options are Canine Distemper Virus, Nipah Virus, Hendra Virus and Foot and Mouth Disease Virus.
• We assume the question refers to widely reported incidents where authorities identified a specific virus as the main cause.

Concept / Approach:
Reports about lion deaths in Gir National Park indicated that Canine Distemper Virus, usually associated with dogs and some wild carnivores, had infected the lions. This virus can cause respiratory and neurological problems and is transmitted between animals. Nipah and Hendra viruses are associated with bats and can infect humans and other animals but were not identified in this case. Foot and Mouth Disease Virus mostly affects cloven hoofed animals such as cattle. Therefore, the approach is to link Gir lion deaths with Canine Distemper Virus as reported in official investigations and news.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the species and location mentioned: Asiatic lions in Gir National Park. Step 2: Recall news reports that spoke about a viral outbreak among these lions and the specific virus name mentioned. Step 3: Remember that veterinary and wildlife authorities identified Canine Distemper Virus as a key cause of the deaths. Step 4: Compare this with other listed viruses. Nipah and Hendra are associated with different outbreaks, mainly in humans and certain farm animals, while Foot and Mouth disease has a different host range and symptom profile. Step 5: Conclude that Canine Distemper Virus is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, recall that research on Gir lions warned that transmission from domestic dogs in surrounding villages could be a source of Canine Distemper Virus. Conservationists expressed concern because CDV outbreaks had previously affected lions in other countries. In contrast, Nipah Virus was reported in human outbreaks in parts of India with bat reservoirs, and Foot and Mouth disease is a major concern for livestock rather than big cats. These distinctions confirm that only Canine Distemper Virus matches both the hosts and the specific incident described in the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Nipah Virus: Known for outbreaks affecting humans with bat reservoirs, it was not identified as the cause of the lion deaths in Gir.
Hendra Virus: Another bat associated virus that affects horses and humans in other regions, but not the virus reported in this Indian wildlife case.
Foot and Mouth Disease Virus: Primarily affects cattle, sheep and other cloven hoofed animals and is not usually reported as a cause of lion mortality in Gir.

Common Pitfalls:
Under time pressure, students may select a virus name that simply sounds familiar without considering host specificity and context. For example, Nipah has been widely reported in Indian news, which might prompt an incorrect guess. To avoid such mistakes, it is useful to create short notes linking each virus to its typical hosts and famous outbreaks, such as Nipah with human encephalitis, Foot and Mouth with cattle, and Canine Distemper with dogs and wild carnivores. This contextual memory makes it easier to answer questions that connect wildlife conservation with disease ecology.

Final Answer:
The virus responsible for the recent deaths of lions in Gir National Park was Canine Distemper Virus.