Protect leopards, foresters tell people on International Leopard Day

Vijayawada: Foresters have urged people to protect leopards, which often enter scrub and open forests near human habitations for prey like spotted deer, sheep, goat, stray dogs and mice. Their advice has come coinciding with the International Leopard Day (ILD) on Wednesday.

Andhra Pradesh has a sizable population of leopards, ranging between 461–523, according to an official estimate. They are mainly found in forests of Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve and Rampachodavaram.

Despite the wildcat being placed in Schedule-1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and considered an endangered species, leopards become victims of poaching, mainly for its valuable skin.

In order to protect leopards and penalise those who poach them, forest authorities have advised people to inform wildlife authorities in case the wildcats are found near their habitations.

Foresters say unlike other wildcats, which fear presence of humans, leopards do not fear people. Instead, they even approach human habitations in search of prey.

Forest authorities are carrying out awareness programmes involving tribals, non-tribals and NGOs to protect the leopard whenever it is spotted near human habitations. They have advised people to immediately alert local forest officials. Further, in case they find poachers, they must inform authorities, so that they could be caught and punished as per norms.

Additional principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) Shantipriya Pande said, “We are initiating all requisite measures to protect the leopard, as it is often spotted in open forests and near human habitations looking for prey. It is vulnerable, as its skin is highly valued. We appeal to people to protect the wildcat and alert forest officials in case it attacks domestic animals. Help us capture it, instead of killing it, which is in violation of norms,” Pande stated.