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HomeLatest10 Conflict Leopards to Relocate Amid Manikdoh's Space Crunch

10 Conflict Leopards to Relocate Amid Manikdoh’s Space Crunch

PUNE: The Forest Department’s Junnar division is poised to transfer 10 conflict leopards to Vantara Zoo in Jamnagar, Gujarat, in response to mounting space constraints at the Manikdoh rescue centre. 

These big cats, known as conflict leopards, inhabit areas prone to human-wildlife confrontations, necessitating their relocation to ensure both human safety and animal welfare. A senior official from the Forest Department revealed that the division had submitted a proposal to the Central Zoo Authority four months ago, anticipating approval imminently. The impending relocation underscores the urgent need for alternative arrangements as the Manikdoh facility faces space limitations until its expansion is completed. Discussions are underway between the Junnar division and Vantara Zoo management to facilitate the seamless transfer of these leopards. Explaining the rationale behind relocating conflict animals, an official stressed the importance of preventing further human-wildlife conflicts by refraining from releasing them back into their original habitat. “Releasing these leopards in the same landscape could exacerbate confrontations with humans,” the official remarked. “Until the expansion of the Manikdoh rescue centre is finalised, we must manage within the existing space constraints. However, leopards involved in human attacks will remain at the Manikdoh facility.”

Despite efforts to find alternative accommodations within the state, none of the existing facilities could accommodate the 10 leopards due to space limitations. Fortunately, Vantara Zoo in Gujarat has expressed willingness to house these big cats, providing a viable solution to the pressing space crunch in Junnar. In a parallel development, the Forest Department successfully captured the ninth leopard, a two-year-old, early on Sunday morning. This ongoing effort demonstrates the department’s commitment to addressing human-wildlife conflicts while ensuring the safety of both communities and wildlife.

The impending relocation of these conflict leopards underscores the need for proactive measures to manage human-wildlife interactions effectively. By collaborating with external facilities like Vantara Zoo, the Forest Department aims to mitigate the challenges posed by space constraints while prioritising the welfare of these majestic animals.

 

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