Pune: Human-animal conflicts in the past two decades in the Junnar Forest Division have caused 33 people to lose their lives and 108 injured today.
The last death of a 60-year-old woman was also suspected of being killed in a leopard attack in Patole Vadgaon Village in Khed Tehsil.
Forest officers say that the leopard population has increased in the past two decades.
“The first leopard census is underway within our limits,” said Jayram Gowda, Deputy Forest Conservator, Junnar, who has eight forest offices in Junnar, Ambegaon, Shirur and Khed Tehsil.
“These deaths are mostly in agriculture and near people’s homes.
So, we must take steps in these places to prevent attacks,” Gowda told Ti on Friday.
“We have told the villagers to build a compound wall, establish the right livestock and avoid agricultural visits at night.
Also, we have asked MSEDCL to supply electricity to the motorcycle pump during the day so farmers do not need to water plants at night, “He added.
Overall 9,455 domestic animals have been killed by leopards during this period.
Also, wild dogs and chicken have fallen big cat prey, said forest officials.
“We have provided RS1.44Crore compensation,” Gowda said.
To reduce the attack by a female leopard, the division has reunited the mother with her child.
“Since January, we have reunited their 16 children with their mothers,” said a forest officer.
Wildlife experts say the reach of ‘hyperlocal’ is needed to mitigate conflict and create awareness.
The period between 2000 and 2005.
The efforts by the Ministry of Forestry have helped.
However, leopards are around and will remain so.
We need a strategy.
“