By Abhijay Raj Vaishya and Srishti Kamal
After several leopards were spotted in the areas around Sinhagaard and Panshet, the forest department has issued several warnings to farmers and tourists to remain alert. Leopards were reportedly spotted near Nive, Mose, Rajgarh and Velhe villages on 27 November, raising security concerns across the region.
“Leopards have been seen roaming in the area, possibly having moved inland due to the recent birth of two calves. However, barring a few incidents involving dogs, no one has been attacked so far. My rescue team and staff are actively engaged in protecting both the wildlife as well as the residents. We have advised them to take special care, especially in the morning and evening, and to keep noise-making objects like ghunghrus with them to deter animals. In the rare event of an attack, appropriate compensation will be provided to the affected parties,” says Govind Langute, Range Forest Officer, Velhe Range.
Leopard sightings have increased alarmingly and the forest department is making efforts to minimize any possible conflict. “Awareness programs have been implemented in Sinhagarh and surrounding areas to educate people not to tie their cattle outside and avoid open defecation, as sitting in the open puts the individuals at eye level to the leopard. Due to which the risk of attack increases. Leopards consider standing humans a threat due to their size and avoid attacking them,” says Manoj Borbole, range forest officer Bhamburda.Pune Division Headquarters Range).
Several patrolling efforts and tracking cameras have been installed to monitor the leopard’s movements to prevent further incidents. Borbole said, “We have implemented constant patrolling and installed tracking cameras to keep an eye on leopard movements in the area. Additionally, we are in constant touch with the local people regarding the sightings, but there have been no such reports for the last 7-8 days.
The incidents and incidents of leopard sightings in Pune have increased recently, especially in areas like Daud, Shirur and urban areas of Pune.