Leopard sighted at Karnala sanctuary

Wildlife enthusiasts are delighted with the sighting of a leopard at Karnala, which according to forest department itself is the first confirmed sighting in this region. However, the news has also prompted the forest department into initiating awareness among local villages, around the Karnala Fort to avoid any instances of man-animal conflict.

The story of the sighting of this leopard is just as interesting as the discovery of a leopard here. "It was in the wee hours of the morning of March 21 that some locals found a carcass of a cattle that appeared hunted in the forest area and they immediately alerted the forest staff. The department decided to set up camera traps to confirm whether it was the work of an animal," shared a senior forest official, adding that they were sure that there was a leopard but they also wanted a proof in hand.

Conservator of Forest (CF) for Karnala, MM Kulkarni informed that in case of such attacks they use camera traps to verify. "After putting up these traps we got several footages where the leopard could be seen near the prey it had killed and even as per our records there has never been a leopard sighting here," shared Kulkarni adding that while its obviously good to know that a particular species that was never thought to exist here is present we are also taking all the right precautions.

According to Kulkarni, they have already begun sensitisation of the locals staying close to the sanctuary so that there is no untoward incident.

Karnala Sanctuary that is around 12sqkm located at Panvel is famous for the Karnala Fort know as trekkers delight an is also visited by bird and reptile enthusiast. In fact, it is estimated that the sanctuary is home to over 200 species of resident as well as migratory birds.

Even as the report of this sighting has been spreading wildlife enthusiasts have asked the forest department to practise caution. "A study should be undertaken to understand if there are more leopards in this area, also the forest department should take all precautions to ensure that there is no poaching," shared a wildlife enthusiast.