Leopards in peril

— The growing man-leopard conflict resulting in a spurt in leopard deaths has emerged as a disturbing development. The matter– notwithstanding mounting leopard casualties– has not got the attention it deserves. While issues like man-elephant conflict, rhino deaths and a dwindling tiger population continue to hog the limelight, it is unfortunate that an equally vicious phenomenon should escape the notice of all concerned. Leopards straying out of their habitat and coming into conflict with humans is occurring with alarming frequency, and unless urgent measures are taken the future seems rather bleak for this beautiful animal. Unlike tigers which prefer dense jungles, the leopard can adapt to sparse forests near human settlements, occasionally preying on domestic animals. In fact, a city like Guwahati shelters a sizeable leopard population in its hills. Rapid unplanned urbanisation, however, has caused destruction and degradation of these forests. This, together with a shrinking prey base, has made the leopard increasingly look for food in human settlements, paving the way for a disastrous conflict.

Ensuring protection to the forests that shelter leopards is critical to long-term survival prospects of the animal. This is going to be a difficult task because apart from the protected areas (PAs), i.e., sanctuaries and national parks, leopards are found in most of the reserve forests of the State. And it is an open secret that reserve forests which constitute a majority of our jungles, are virtually left with no protection. Another way to save the leopard population inhabiting degraded or fragmented forests near human settlements could be through a relocation exercise. Since it is futile to expect restoration of these forests, the leopards should be captured and released in jungles away from human habitation. Otherwise, the man-leopard conflict is going to ease only with the wiping out of the entire leopard population from these areas. As for long-term measures, the State Government must accord top priority to preservation of whatever little remains of our once-pristine forests. Merely gloating over the ‘conservation success’ in one or two national parks or sanctuaries can never hide the appalling conditions afflicting most other wildlife habitats. In the ultimate analysis, the success of a Kaziranga will pale into insignificance if dozens of wildlife habitats are allowed to degenerate. Government efforts apart, environmental NGOs can do a great job in launching a movement for habitat protection – something that has found few takers till date. ASSAM TRIBUNE