Maharashtra’s forest department will relocate 50 leopards to the Reliance Foundation’s Vantara wildlife rescue center in Jamnagar, Gujarat, to manage escalating human-leopard conflicts in regions like Pune’s Junnar, Shirur, and Ambegaon. This decision, finalized after talks between Forest Minister Ganesh Naik and Vantara officials, targets leopards in rescue centers and high-conflict zones.
Conflict Background
Western Maharashtra has seen a surge in leopard attacks, with over 1,300 leopards in Pune and Ahmednagar districts, leading to multiple fatalities including a 13-year-old boy in Shirur. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis noted the population boom and is pursuing central approvals for sterilization alongside relocations.
Relocation Details
The leopards, mostly from prolonged captivity in state facilities, will free up space for new rescues while bolstering conservation at Vantara. This forms part of broader efforts, including transfers to other states and enhanced monitoring modeled on successful programs in Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Wildlife experts have mixed views, praising capacity-building but urging habitat-focused solutions over mass captures.
