Pune: 10 leopards relocated from Junnar to Gujarat's Jamnagar due to rising man-animal conflicts

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], August 1 : Owing to the problem of leopard attacks in the Junnar taluka of Pune district, 10 leopards captured in the Junnar forest division have been sent to a shelter in Jamnagar, Gujarat, said Amol Satpute, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Junnar.
The leopards, including 4 females and 6 males, were relocated from Manikdoh in Junnar to 'Vantara' in Jamnagar, which is the world's largest animal shelter and rehabilitation centre. The Central Zoo Authority, Delhi, had approved the relocation in June 2024.
The leopards were transported in three large air-conditioned ambulances, with one ambulance on standby for emergencies. A team of 25 people from Gujarat, including a zoo manager, veterinary officer, and management team, accompanied the ambulances.
The leopards were captured between March and May 2024 from areas in Junnar taluka, including Pimpri Pendhar, Kalwadi, and Pimpalwandi, where there were 3 human deaths and 2 serious injuries due to leopard attacks.
This relocation is an important step taken by the Junnar forest division to address the rising man-animal conflicts in the area. The leopards are expected to reach Jamnagar by August 1, 2024.