Bijnor's Big Cats: Sterilization Proposed for Man-Leopard Peace

The Uttar Pradesh forest department has submitted a proposal to sterilize leopards in Bijnor to mitigate a growing man-leopard conflict. This initiative seeks approval from the state government and subsequently the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Bijnor has experienced a significant increase in leopard attacks, resulting in 35 human fatalities and 55 injuries as of September 2025.

The department's presentation document outlines sterilization as a practical solution, targeting at least 75% of the leopard population over five years. This approach aims to reduce conflict and maintain ecological balance. The prevalence of sugarcane cultivation, covering 49% of the region's farmland, provides ideal habitat for leopards, contributing to their breeding and reduced fear of humans.

Effective tiger conservation in adjacent reserves like Rajaji and Corbett has led to increased tiger populations, prompting leopards to venture into non-forest areas. This has intensified the conflict, particularly in at least 40 identified highly sensitive villages. Previous attempts to manage conflict by releasing leopards into the wild or sending them to zoos proved insufficient, highlighting the urgent need for population control.