These guidelines, the first of their kind from MoEF, are also based on consultations with a host of scientists and experts who have worked on the issue and various scientific studies and reports.
Most leopards, like other large carnivores, are shy of humans and in most cases prey on feral dogs and pigs. Conflicts arise when leopards start preying on livestock causing losses to local communities. Man-leopard conflict can become very severe when some animals turn man-eaters. Such animals may attack humans without any provocation, prey on children, and even enter homes at night.
With due regard to the local-specific nature of man-leopard conflicts, the guidelines provide a framework to deal with a variety of situations that commonly lead to conflict. They outline a three-pronged strategy to deal with man-leopard conflict. Read the full report here.
Source: Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN, Nagpur.
