Ahmednagar sees deaths of 30 leopards in 9 months

Pointing to their habitat coming under stress, a total of 30 leopards have lost their lives in nine months in Ahmednagar district alone. 

In a written reply to a question by the Shiv Sena’s Vijayrao Auti in the state legislative assembly on Friday, Minance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, who is also Maharashtra’s Forest Minister, said that between January to September 2016, a total of 30 leopards had died in Ahmednagar district. Of these 30, 12 were natural while seven fell into wells and died and five leopards died in accidents. Six of these big cats also perished in territorial fights. 

In his reply, Mungantiwar said that structures like forest lakes, cement bunds, forest bunds and water holes were conducted under various schemes in the district. This will make water available for wild animals in forested areas.

Flex boards have been erected on sides of roads and turnings to prevent the accidental deaths of leopards. 

Two rescue teams each have been created in Ahmednagar and Sangamner divisions and the staff has been given special training.