14 Apr 2003 Maharahtra, India, Indian Sub-continent Carnivores | Conflict | Forests | Mammals
Addressing Human-Leopard Conflict via a Conflict Management Manual Aimed at the Managers in the Severely Affected States of India
Using Education and Awareness to Address Human Leopard Conflict - At a National Level by Making a Documentary for Airing on National TV and at a State Level Using Education Programmes for Affected Villages in Maharashtra
National Level Media Awareness Workshops in Four High Leopard Conflict States in India
Training of resource personnel in managing problem leopards in the Maharashtra Forest Department, Western India
Leopards are an endangered species with a ubiquitous presence in the Indian countryside. Their high degree of versatility and adaptability allows them to co-exist with humans however recent times have seen an increase in conflict between the two. Lethal control of leopards is not allowed by the Indian government due to its endangered status and the demand for this species in wildlife trade. There is high demand for their skin, bones and body parts, and large seizures of these items from poachers occur.
This study aims to identify and train five teams in handling emergencies arising out of this conflict. It also aims to insert microchips in all leopards and any other species of wild endangered carnivores to gather information which can be used to reduce conflict. The study will have far-reaching consequences even at a national level since such training is lacking and also since human-wildlife conflicts are occurring with increasing frequency in various parts of India.