Forest dept to reduce human-leopard conflict

Saturday, 24 November 2012 16:04

PNS | Dehradun

http://www.dailypioneer.com

 

In order to mitigate the rising human-leopard conflict in Uttarakhand, the State Forest Department has proposed building water holes and increasing fodder in affected areas to attract the wild herbivores which constitute the natural prey base of the leopard. It is worth mentioning here that since October this year at least seven people have been killed by leopards while three leopards have been killed and one captured by the department after being declared man-eaters.

Though human leopard conflict is not new to Uttarakhand, the problem has been rising since the formation of the State and resulting developments. The forest department has had plans for some years now to tackle the rising human-wildlife conflict. However, wildlife activists point out that the department has done little more than drafting and discussing plans while the conflict situation has continued to deteriorate.

Talking to The Pioneer, the State chief wildlife warden SS Sharma said that the department has various measures either planned or proposed to mitigate the conflict between human and the spotted cat. “We have proposed to build water holes and encourage an increase in fodder so that deer and other herbivores are attracted to such places. By boosting the presence of the natural prey base of the leopard, we believe the big cat will avoid human settlements which will make life safer for both the villagers and their cattle. In addition to this we are raising public awareness in areas experiencing the conflict. We are telling the people to not venture outdoors alone in dark hours but to move in at least small groups and to remain alert outdoors,” said Sharma.

Widlife activists also point out that the human-leopard conflict is not only creating problems for the humans but is also a major factor responsible for the poaching of the feline. They point out that the department’s drafting of plans has not helped either the humans or the leopards in Uttarakhand with at least 25 leopard pelt seizures in this year apart from which 52 leopard deaths have also been recorded in 2012 so far. Since creation of Uttarakhand in 2000, more than 200 people while more than 600 leopard deaths from different causes have been recorded.

 

Cancel the Hunt for the Man-Eating Leopard in Nepal

By Cheri Cheng

Target: Baburam Bhattarai, Prime Minister of Nepal

Goal: Do not let locals murder wild leopard in Nepalese forests

There have been recent killings linked to a dangerous leopard in Nepal. According to the officials, the leopard has killed 15 people over a time span of 15 months in the area of Western Nepal. All of the victims resided in the outer villages that are significantly closer to the lush forests. The most recent killing was a four-year old boy, whose head was found within a kilometer, less than a mile, from his house. The discovery of the young boy was the last straw for the local administration, which is granting permission for locals to kill the leopard.

The local police chief believes that the leopard is responsible for eating all of its victims based on the fact that only small parts of the victims’ bodies have been found. The leftover pieces indicate that something must have bitten them. The victims have only included children, young adults, and one 29-year old woman.

The chief believes that the leopard kills the victims first and then drags the bodies deep into the forest to eat. However, there is no concrete evidence that the leopard is fully responsible. In addition, since there have been a lot of victims, other people are fearful that there may be two man-eating creatures living in the forests. However, the presence of two man-eating predators is very rare, thus the murder of this single leopard is encouraged.

Killing the leopard is definitely the easier option, but it is also crueler and lazier. Of course, killing a wild and bloodthirsty animal is not a simple task, but it is definitely a desired task for people seeking revenge. The leopard, which is normally protected under the nation’s laws which do not allow the killing of wild animals, is now being hunted by armed officials. There is also a reward of $300 for the person or persons who kill the animal.

The district believed that murdering the animal is their last resort. They state that leopards within the area are known to kill cattle but not humans so a human victim is seen as extreme. The accidents have been highly unfortunate for the Nepalese community, but that does not mean murder can be acceptable.

There are other measures that can be taken, such as forbidding young adults and children from entering these forests. In addition, if the leopard continues to kill the administration can consider capturing the animal and relocating it to a different area, which is not ideal and should be the last resort. Demand that alternative solutions to killing this animal are considered and acted upon.

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PETITION LETTER:

Dear Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai,

The recent killings by a leopard in Western Nepal are unfortunate and tragic. The local police chief believes that a single leopard is responsible for killing and eating at least 15 victims over the span of 15 months. All of the victims have been children and young adults, with the exception of one adult woman. The most recent victim was a four-year-old boy whose head was found near his own home. Local administration has decided to authorize the killing of the animal.

Although there have been a lot of victims, murdering the animal is horrifying, especially when there are other options available. First off, children and young adults should not be able to venture into the forests alone. Second, the leopard can be captured and transported to another are or a zoo where it can continue to live.

Please do not let the locals murder the leopard.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]