Rajasthanโs ambitious efforts to protect leopards under *๐๐ง๐ค๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐๐ค๐ฅ๐๐ง๐* have encountered significant setbacks, highlighting the complex challenges of balancing wildlife conservation and human safety. The initiative, launched with the aim of improving prey bases, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and curbing poaching, is revealing gaps in the state’s wildlife management, drawing sharp criticism from conservationists and former forest officials.
The project took an alarming turn this week in Udaipur’s Kamol village, where a leopard, a species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, was brutally killed by local villagers. The incident occurred after the animal allegedly attacked a man, sparking fears that it might be the maneater responsible for seven deaths in the Gogunda Forest Block of Udaipur District.
However, according to senior officials, it is yet to be confirmed whether the killed leopard is the same maneater. The animalโs remains have been sent for examination, and ongoing investigations suggest it may be a different leopard, as the location where it was killed is far from previous incidents. This premature reaction by the villagers has raised concerns about the proper identification of maneaters and the risk of overreaction leading to unnecessary deaths of leopards.
### *๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ค๐๐ก๐๐ข ๐ฟ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฃ๐จ: ๐พ๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐๐๐จ๐ข ๐๐ง๐ค๐ข ๐๐๐ก๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐๐ญ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ฉ๐จ*
Sunayan Sharma, a former officer of the Indian Forest Service (IFS), pointed out that while *Project Leopard* was launched seven years ago in various districts, including Udaipur, there has been minimal on-the-ground work. The primary issue lies in the absence of a sufficient prey base for the leopards, pushing them to venture into human-populated areas in search of food. Without tangible steps to address this problem, conflicts between humans and leopards have become inevitable.
The forest department has struggled to accurately identify the maneater responsible for the recent fatalities. As a result, the situation has led to mass hunts and indiscriminate killing, raising ethical concerns. Experts have also highlighted the deployment of under-trained personnel, suggesting that inexperienced teams might be leading both leopards and people into danger.
A senior forest official expressed concern about the lack of coordination between local communities and forest officials. “In the past two weeks, seven deaths have been reported, but there has been no direct evidence linking any leopard to these attacks,” he said. Some suspect the maneater could have died from rabies, adding to the complexity of the case.
*๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ง ๐ค๐ง ๐๐ค๐ฉ: ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐ฉ๐๐ก๐ก ๐๐ช๐ฉ*
The rushed declaration of the leopard as a maneater has invited criticism from wildlife experts, who fear that this reactive approach may lead to more harm than good. A source revealed that the decision to allow villagers to kill the leopard came without clear identification, leading to concerns about the misuse of authority and fear-mongering.
The forest departmentโs lack of a structured response has worsened the situation, with many calling for a thorough review of *Project Leopard*. Former IFS officers and environmentalists have been vocal in their disappointment with the current handling, particularly criticizing the premature announcements that have led to public panic.
Sunayan Sharma emphasized the need for the government to protect leopards and reduce conflicts by improving conservation efforts. He also warned that unless comprehensive measures are taken, poaching leopards will continue, exacerbating the existing human-wildlife tension.
### *๐๐๐ ๐๐ค๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐๐๐: ๐พ๐๐ก๐ก ๐๐ค๐ง ๐๐ฉ๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ง๐ค๐ซ๐๐ข๐๐ฃ๐ฉ*
In light of the recent incidents, wildlife experts have proposed that the Forest Department work toward long-term solutions to address the deep-rooted issues facing *Project Leopard*. Experts recommend a strategic overhaul to deal with human-leopard conflicts more effectively. A steering committee is also necessary to oversee the project, involving key figures such as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, the Vice-Chairman, and wildlife experts.
There is also a pressing need to educate local communities about leopard behavior, helping reduce fear and ensuring that villagers don’t take matters into their own hands when such conflicts arise. Strengthening relationships between forest officials and locals is vital for preventing unnecessary killings and ensuring leopards can coexist safely with human populations.
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance required in wildlife conservation, especially in regions where human and wildlife habitats overlap. The future of *Project Leopard* hinges on effective management and the protection of both leopards and human lives.
*๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ค ๐๐๐ฐ๐ฌ* will continue to monitor the developments surrounding *Project Leopard* and bring you the latest updates on how Rajasthan navigates these challenges in its ambitious conservationย efforts.
