In the Sagbara Taluka of Gujarat, a man-eating leopard has been captured after a series of attacks. The leopard, which had been terrorising the villages of Kolvan and Bedapani, was caught after extensive efforts by the forest department. The situation became urgent after the leopard attacked a 9-year-old girl in Kolvan and a woman in Bedapani, leaving the local communities in fear.
The forest department mobilised nearly 70 staff members, including wildlife teams, to apprehend the leopard. They set traps and camera setups in the affected areas. After numerous sightings, the team finally managed to capture the leopard in Bedapani village.
The community was relieved after the leopard was caught, but concern remains because the same leopard that killed the girl in Kolvan is still on the run. It is believed that the leopard has been targeting vulnerable children due to a lack of food in its natural habitat.
Local officials explained that the forest area in Narmada district is densely populated with wildlife, including leopards. As their population increases, these animals are often forced to seek food in nearby human settlements. The forest department stated they are actively working to control the situation and prevent further attacks.
Abhay Kumar, the DFO of Narmada, mentioned that the forest team is using modern technology. They have set up cameras and are employing night vision equipment to track the movements of the leopards. The team is also using tranquiliser guns to safely capture any dangerous animals.
Leopards typically move between 6 PM and 8 PM, covering distances of up to 60 km in one night. The forest department is monitoring the situation closely, using drones to keep an eye on the leopard’s movements.
Despite the capture of one leopard, the situation in Kolvan remains tense as the other man-eater is still unaccounted for. The forest department is continuing its rescue operations and has set additional traps in the area.
Local leaders have expressed their concern and are urging the government to establish a rescue centre in Narmada to deal with such incidents effectively. They stress that immediate action is necessary to prevent future attacks and ensure the safety of the villagers.
The incidents have sparked a discussion about wildlife management and the increasing number of human-wildlife conflicts in the region. With nearly 1,000 villages in Gujarat affected by leopard sightings, this is a pressing concern for both wildlife officials and local communities.
As the forest department continues its efforts, residents are left hoping for a swift resolution to this ongoing issue. The successful capture of the leopard in Bedapani is a step forward, but the hunt for the remaining man-eater continues. The safety of the villagers depends on the swift action and effective management of wildlife in the region.
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