Human Leopard Conflicts Surge in Pune’s Junnar RegionAs the summer heat intensifies across Pune, the human-leopard conflict in the Junnar Forest region has reached alarming levels, raising concerns among local villagers, migrant workers, and forest authorities alike.
The recent spate of leopard attacks in the area has stirred up fears, particularly after the tragic events of 2024, which saw the loss of eight lives, including five children, in leopard-related incidents. This marks one of the highest tolls in two decades, drawing significant political attention ahead of the state elections.Forest officials report a sharp rise in attacks during the warmer months, a trend linked to the seasonal changes in the region’s ecosystems. Leopards, known for their adaptability, are forced to migrate in search of food as the water levels drop and their prey base dwindles during the dry season. The ongoing sugarcane harvest exacerbates the situation. As sugarcane fields are cleared, leopards are displaced from their temporary habitats, increasing the likelihood of human encounters. These areas, which have been a preferred shelter for leopards due to their dense vegetation, are rapidly being destroyed, further fuelling the conflict.
The escalating human-leopard conflict has placed particular stress on migrant farm workers, who are often the most vulnerable. Migrants from various regions, especially those working in sugarcane fields or shepherding livestock, have become prime targets of leopard attacks, as the big cats are drawn to the domesticated animals these workers tend to. The precarious living conditions of these workers, who often reside in makeshift shelters, compound their vulnerability to wildlife threats.The forest department has ramped up efforts to address the crisis, especially in the wake of last year’s spike in attacks. In response to the mounting threat, the department issued a red alert across 13 villages in the Junnar taluka, warning residents to avoid venturing outside during dawn and dusk, peak leopard activity hours. The authorities have been actively working with local NGOs and community groups to raise awareness about safety measures and promote cohabitation with the wildlife.
“While we have made significant strides in sensitising the local communities, there are still many hurdles to overcome,” says a forest official in Junnar. “Migrants, in particular, face an especially high risk as they are often forced to work in these dangerous conditions. We are making all efforts to inform them about safety measures such as using bright lights and high fences, but not everyone can afford these precautions.”
The Forest Department has also stepped up patrols and deployed drones to monitor the situation. These increased surveillance measures aim to track leopard movement and deter potential attacks. In addition, tents are being provided to migrant workers, offering them safer shelter as a temporary solution.
Despite the department’s efforts, however, the growing leopard population remains a major concern. In 2024, the department proposed a controversial birth control initiative to manage the leopard population, suggesting the sterilisation of 47 leopards. The proposal, aimed at curbing the growth of the leopard population, was submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) but is still awaiting approval.The increasing frequency of human-leopard encounters, coupled with the limited resources available to combat the issue, has prompted calls for greater intervention from both state and central governments. Local advocacy groups such as the Human Leopard Conflict Action Committee have expressed concerns over the adequacy of manpower and funding allocated to the Forest Department. They urge the state government to prioritise addressing this growing crisis before it escalates further.
As the summer intensifies, it remains to be seen how both forest authorities and local communities will navigate the ongoing challenges posed by the increasing human-leopard conflict in Junnar. With the leopard population continuing to rise and climate change exacerbating habitat loss, it is clear that finding a sustainable solution to this issue is imperative for the safety of both humans and wildlife in the region.
