Junnar, Maharashtra: In response to the alarming rise in human-leopard conflicts in the Junnar district, the forest department is considering a groundbreaking sterilization program as a proactive measure to manage the leopard population. If approved, this initiative would be the first of its kind in India, signaling a new approach to addressing the escalating conflicts between humans and leopards.
Data from the forest department reveals a significant increase in human-leopard conflicts, with 22 incidents reported in the 2022-23 fiscal year and 14 in 2023-24 (up to December 2023). These figures far exceed the average incidents of less than eight in previous fiscal years. The surge in conflicts has resulted in the tragic loss of 11 lives to leopard attacks in Junnar over the past two financial years.
Amol Satpute, Deputy Conservator of Forest (Junnar), shared, “We are developing a draft proposal for leopard sterilization in our division, seeking the assistance of veterinary experts to ensure its appropriateness. As the first pilot project of its kind in the country, we are striving to make it foolproof from all angles.” The directive to formulate the proposal came from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in response to concerns raised by Shirur Lok Sabha member Amol Kolhe.
Expressing worry over the rising human-leopard conflicts, Kolhe cited the loss of around 13,000 cattle to leopard attacks in the last two years. The proposed sterilization program is considering vasectomy for male leopards and an immunocontraceptive process for females. The final proposal will undergo scrutiny by the state government before being presented to the Centre for final approval.
Wildlife experts stressed the need for a pilot study in focused areas to understand the potential impact of a leopard birth control program. Dr. Chetan Vanjari, Chief Wildlife Veterinarian of RESQ Charitable Trust, emphasized monitoring the physical and behavioral changes of leopards released after surgery in agricultural landscapes.
Shubhobroto Ghosh, Wildlife Research Manager at World Animal Protection, urged caution in considering the proposal, emphasizing the importance of habitat protection, rehabilitation of villagers near forests, and proper rescue and rehabilitation of leopards caught in conflict situations.
A senior forest officer noted that over 60% of leopards in Junnar division were found outside forest areas, with a higher survival rate compared to those within forests. The officer pointed out that sugar cane fields and areas around dams had become ideal hideouts for leopards, making it easier for them to hunt domestic animals.
Deputy Conservator of Forest (Junnar) Amol Satpute stated that the department has identified hotspots in 25 villages where leopard attacks were frequently reported. Dedicated teams have been deployed to these areas to reduce response times in case of attacks.
