The increase in the tiger population in Uttarakhand has been welcomed by the authorities and wildlife enthusiasts but activists point out that with a population of more than 2,000 the leopard should elicit more focus especially in view of the continuing human-leopard conflict.As the continuing human-leopard conflict in Uttarakhand continues to take its toll on both humans and the big cats, activists point out that the State Forest Department is failing to take concrete measures to effectively tackle this conflict situation. Even the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests to mitigate human-leopard conflict have not been followed, they point out.
last week, a boy was killed and partially eaten by a leopard on the outskirts of Dehradun following which hunters have been deployed by the Forest Department to kill the big cat which has been declared a man-eater.This incident exemplifies a problem being faced in various parts of the State where expanding human settlements and depleted prey base of the leopard continue to fuel conflict.
An activist said, “The State has not even followed the guidelines issued by the Central Government for mitigating human-leopard conflict. The guidelines which can be implemented at the divisional forest level include measures like ensuring proper garbage disposal, using lights and observing precautions especially with children,” he said.
The Corbett tiger reserve honourary warden Brijendra Singh believes that the State should not kill problem leopards but build a rescue centre cum safari park to house such leopards as is being planned by the State Government for tigers. “This will help raise funds for the upkeep of problem leopards while also boosting tourism and raising public awareness.
Human settlements have been expanding into leopard habitats which coupled with depleted prey base of the big cat are major factors fuelling the human-leopard conflict. The animal ends up suffering but the problem animals should be housed in a rescue centre cum safari park in stead of being shot,” he stressed.
The State Forest and Wildlife minister Dinesh Aggarwal said that the prey base of the leopards has decreased especially in the mountainous areas of the State. “We are trying to prevent human-leopard conflict especially in areas where human settlements border forested areas. The option of setting up a rescue centre cum safari park for leopards will also be considered in order to mitigate the conflict,” said the minister.