Human-leopard conflict: State forest dept, Wildlife SOS step up awareness, mitigation methods

The combined team actively addresses human-leopard interface scenarios in the state through a variety of initiatives aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence between leopards and local villagers.

State forest department officials said leopards in Maharashtra often face agitations and conflicts with humans, responding with either a “fight or flight” reaction.

Unfortunately, this often leads to negative outcomes, with leopards either being vilified or ending up trapped, incarcerated, or even killed by angry mobs.

Wildlife SOS officials also pointed out that the root cause of this conflict stems from human activities such as deforestation, encroachment, and poaching, which disrupt leopard habitats and force them to adapt to living near human settlements.

“This close proximity increases the risk of retaliatory killings, severely impacts leopard survivability and increases conflict incidences,” the official said.

From 2022 to 2024, 11 persons died in this human leopard conflict. Another 25 persons suffered injuries according to state forest department data. An ongoing Wildlife Institute of India survey indicates that there are approximately 400-450 leopards in Junnar, Shirur, Khed and Ambegaon region.

To combat this issue, Wildlife SOS, along with the forest department, focus on public awareness and education campaigns. Operating out of the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre in Junnar, the organisation works closely with local farmers and villagers to train and sensitise them about leopard avoidance behaviour.

“This hands-on approach further minimises negative interactions between leopards and humans, ensuring a safer environment for both,” Mahendra Dhore, project manager Wildlife SOS said.

Recently, an awareness session was conducted at R P Sabnis Vidyalaya in Narayangaon in Junnar, Maharashtra by Wildlife SOS in collaboration with the forest department, addressing the escalating human-leopard conflict in Junnar region. The session, attended by approximately 1,200 students, aimed to educate the community on the do’s and don’ts in conflict-prone areas.

Key leopard avoidance strategies according to Kartick Satyanarayan, CEO, Wildlife SOS include:

● Always going out with a torch at night.
● Carrying a stick.
● Venturing outside in groups of at least two to three people.
● Keeping cattle in secure, enclosed spaces.
● Maintaining clean surroundings to avoid attracting stray animals that leopards might prey upon.