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Leopard Overload: Rescue Centers Bursting at Seams
20 Dec
Summary
- Over 150 leopards captured in two months, overwhelming rescue facilities.
- Captive animal regulations are strained due to extreme overcrowding.
- Conservation efforts suffer as resources shift to conflict response.
The recent surge in leopard captures across three districts has led to severe overcrowding in rescue facilities, with over 150 animals captured in just two months. This escalating conflict, driven by human fatalities, has stretched forest department resources thin, impacting routine conservation and protection efforts as staff focus on rescue and captive management.
The current situation is particularly dire in Pune's Junnar division, where the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre, designed for 45 leopards, now houses more than double its capacity. To manage space constraints, innovative measures like housing two leopards together are being implemented. However, this mass capture and extended captivity challenge wildlife regulations designed for animal welfare.
Other districts like Nashik and Ahilyanagar face similar infrastructure crises, with Ahilyanagar lacking a dedicated facility altogether. The Maharashtra forest department is preparing proposals for new facilities across western Maharashtra, aiming for a combined capacity of 500 leopards, to address the ongoing burden and overcrowding.
