What is the Maharashtra forest department doing to address the leopard-human conflicts?

The Maharashtra forest department is setting up rapid leopard rescue teams, installing cameras and alert systems, and planning to sterilize leopards found in sugarcane fields to curb the escalating conflicts between leopards and humans.

How many people have been killed in leopard attacks in Maharashtra this year?

According to the article, 12 people have been killed in leopard attacks in Maharashtra so far in 2025.

Why are leopards straying into sugarcane fields in Junnar, Maharashtra?

Leopards have included sugarcane fields into their habitat and are breeding there, preying on stray dogs and cattle. The article states that this has been a problem in Junnar, Kopargaon, and Ahilyanagar since 2006.

Home / Environment / Maharashtra Races to Curb Escalating Leopard Attacks

Maharashtra Races to Curb Escalating Leopard Attacks

15 Nov

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Summary

Leopard attacks kill 12 people this year in Maharashtra
Forest department setting up rapid rescue teams to trap leopards
Plan to sterilize leopards in sugarcane fields to reduce conflicts

Maharashtra Races to Curb Escalating Leopard Attacks

In the past year, Maharashtra has seen a concerning rise in leopard attacks on humans, with 12 people killed so far in 2025. As forests continue to shrink, forcing the big cats into closer proximity with human settlements, the state's forest department is taking urgent action to address the escalating leopard-human conflicts.

To tackle the issue, the department is setting up rapid leopard rescue squads, comprising over 200 personnel, equipped with specialized vehicles, nets, and cameras to track and capture the straying leopards. The Pune district alone has sanctioned ₹11.25 crore for this initiative. Additionally, the department plans to install 250 live cameras and solar alert systems near human habitats to detect leopard movements and warn residents.