Soon, forest dept to get forensics training

The Thane forest department is planning to begin training its staff in collecting forensic evidences of leopards involved in cases of human-animal conflict, which will aid in correct and scientific identification of the leopards involved in such cases.

Recently animal activist and Honorary Wildlife Warden (Mumbai city) Sunish Kunju had written to the forest department questioning if the trapping of the leopard from Filmcity — suspected to be behind four attacks and one death in and around Filmcity and Aarey — had any scientific basis.

"One cannot only rely on camera trap images to pinpoint a 'problem leopard' as chances are that one animal, which is not involved in any attack could be present at multiple locations, and if it is trapped an innocent wild animal will end up spending its life in captivity, or in worse case be shot dead," he said.

He added that he it is a huge step that the forest department is finally ready to begin work on wildlife forensics, and it should be made part of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

Sunil Limaye, Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) Thane territorial said that he had seen the letter by Kunju and agreed as there was a need for better scientific interventions in dealing with conflict situations, "We are already planning a special workshop for our staff to help them understand wildlife forensics.

Training will be given to them in understanding how to go about collecting important evidences like urine, scat, fallen hairs and even saliva from the places where the animal might have eaten the victim's body, and by carrying out DNA sampling we can always match if the animal trapped was the one actual animal involved."