Latest news with #WorldLeopardDay
Hans India
04-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
54 leopards in Mumbai forests credited for highest density in world
A survey by Wildlife Conservation Society-India and the Maharashtra Forest Department has confirmed the presence of at least 54 leopards in Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and adjoining landscapes, an official statement said on Sunday. The release of the findings on May 3 - World Leopard Day - confirms one of the highest leopard densities recorded anywhere in the world. The survey, conducted between February and June 2024, spanned SGNP, Aarey Milk Colony, and the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWLS). Anita Patil, Conservator of Forests & Park, Director, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, said: "The continued presence of these magnificent leopards in such a densely populated urban region speaks volumes about nature's resilience and the importance of conserving the green spaces they depend on." "Scientific monitoring exercises like this are vital for understanding the status of our wildlife and planning informed conservation actions," said Patil. Teams deployed camera traps at 57 locations in SGNP and 33 locations in TWLS. Forest Department staff were closely involved throughout, with specialised training sessions conducted to build their capacity in The project was funded and supported by the Maharashtra Forest Department, among others. In SGNP and Aarey Milk Colony, 54 individual leopards were identified, including 36 females, 16 males, and 2 undetermined individuals. Four leopard cubs were documented during the survey. In TWLS, three adult male leopards were identified. Remarkably, three female leopards first photo-captured in 2015 were re-captured again in 2024, demonstrating over nine years of survival within SGNP, said the statement. Camera traps also recorded a rich diversity of mammals including chital, sambar, jungle cats, and palm civets and rare finds like mouse deer and rusty spotted cats, it said. During the exercise, a significant incident highlighted the challenges faced by Mumbai's leopards in navigating an increasingly urbanised landscape. "A male leopard, initially photographed inside TWLS, travelled approximately 9 km across dense human settlements, major highways, and railway lines to reach Vasai Fort -- a testament to the adaptability and resilience of these big cats," said the statement. Beyond research, the project also emphasised capacity building, training more than 50 Forest Department staff in field deployment techniques, ensuring that future monitoring efforts will continue to be community-driven and locally sustained, it said.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Spotted: Leopard that strayed into Maruti campus rescued
Gurgaon: A three-year-old female leopard that had strayed into Maruti Suzuki's research and development campus in Rohtak was rescued early on Saturday. Around 4.30am, the big cat — which traded wilderness for the world of automobiles — walked into one of four strategically placed cages, drawn by a small goat that was put there to bait the animal. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon The successful capture coincided with World Leopard Day on May 3. Forest officials said the leopard was found to be in good health, and released into Kalesar National Park later that day. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo 'It walked into the cage where a goat was placed as bait late at night. This is the safest method to trap a leopard. The animal is healthy, and we are taking it to be released in Kalesar National Park,' divisional forest officer (Rohtak) Vijender Gill told TOI. 'These cages are designed with a bait placed at one end to lure the leopard inside. Once the leopard steps into the cage, the door shuts because of the animal's weight, safely capturing it without harming the bait, which remains in a separate compartment,' he added. So, why did the leopard stray into human territory? 'Look at the heat. Plus, there is no water in the canal. This could force wild animals to venture into human territory,' Gill said. According to him, this was the first time that a leopard strayed into human habitat in Rohtak. The sighting of the leopard, which entered the campus late on Thursday night, had triggered fear and anxiety among employees and officials, prompting immediate action by both the forest department and company management. A two-day shutdown was announced as well. The leopard, officials said, had scaled an 8ft high wall, using a tree adjacent to the boundary, to enter the 600-acre facility located in IMT Baliyana. According to the forest department, CCTV footage confirmed the leopard's presence early on Friday, amid concerns about whether the animal was still on the premises. The Maruti facility, known for housing vehicle testing labs and a 31km-long track, lies close to agricultural land and shrinking natural habitats — an increasingly common setting for human-wildlife encounters. In 2017, forest officials deployed traps and conducted extensive searches for a leopard at Maruti Suzuki 's Manesar plant. The animal was safely rescued. The Manesar plant is located near the Aravali foothills — an area that has historically served as a wildlife corridor but is now increasingly fragmented by roads, buildings, and factories.
