The state capital Bhopal and the surrounding forests are not only the favorite of tigers, but leopards are also finding the weather conditions favourable as there are around 40 leopards present in Bhopal and surrounding areas.
However, they also frequently roam in the surrounding areas. The situation is such that these are being seen even in such residential areas where there is relatively less traffic. Recently a leopard was also seen near Dranachal. The forest department had also installed a cage to catch him, but he did not get trapped in it.
Forest Department officials said that there are leopards in the surrounding forests including Nazirabad, Berasia, Samardha. They go far in search of food. They like to live in solitude.
A leopard was caught some time ago. It was released in Ratapani where other leopards killed it. Officials said that information is received when a leopard hunts a calf.
Around 22 tigers are roaming in and around Bhopal region. Now the cubs have also started hunting. Tigers are roaming in different areas in Bhopal. These are also seen many times in other residential areas including Kaliyasot.
The number of leopards in Bhopal has also reached around 40. Compared to tigers, their movement is more in different areas. These reach near residential areas. The number has increased in Samardha, Nazirabad, Berasia and surrounding areas. -Alok Pathak, DFO, Forest Department.