Since October 13, 2013 there hasn't been a single human-animal conflict within and outside the SGNP. In the past, there were numerous incidents pertaining to leopards attacking humans resulting in deaths.
Although it has come out that Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) has among the highest densities of leopards in India, yet there has not been a single instance of human-animal conflict in the past over one and a half years. Reason is said to be better understanding and awareness about the animal among people residing on the periphery of the park.
"In the last three to four years, there was a sustained campaign under the banner of Mumbaikars for SGNP to create awareness among residents living within and on the periphery of the national park on what to do and how to behave if a leopard is spotted. The result wasn't immediate, but now we are seeing the outcome of those awareness drives," said Vikas Gupta, director, SGNP.
Since October 13, 2013 there hasn't been a single human-animal conflict within and outside the SGNP. In the past, there were numerous incidents pertaining to leopards attacking humans resulting in deaths.
The latest incident was of Abhinav Nagar in Borivli (East) earlier this month wherein the residents had alerted the forest department. "They did not want us to lay cages or traps. But we were asked by the locals to inform them what measures they should take if a leopard is spotted. This clearly shows the change in behaviour of human beings," added Gupta.
Earlier, the calls or alerts we used to receive were demands from people to lay traps so that leopards can be caged and taken elsewhere.
Dr Vidya Athreya of Wildlife Conservation Soceity has been emphasising on the fact that leopards and animals can co-exist peacefully, which has happened over several generations now and no incident in the last over one and a half years is just another example.
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