Uttarakhand is becoming a threat zone for big cats. That is why leopard deaths are increasing with each passing year.
According to the statistics of Wildlife protection Society of India (WPSI) the state lost 104 leopards till November 27 this year. Notably, only 105 leopards died last year in 2010.
Expressing huge concern over leopard deaths of Uttarakhand, tito Joseph, program officer WPSI told Hindustan Times, “Man-animal conflict is a major issue in Uttarakhand. That’s the reason why leopard deaths are extremely evident in the region. Last year, the state recorded only 105 deaths. However, this year within 11 months it recorded 104 deaths.”
Joseph confirmed that the number of leoparddeaths could cross even the 110 mark. “In view of the data that we have compiled, it seems that the leopard deaths would go beyond 110 by the end of this year,” he said.
The data clearly states that majority deaths were reported from seizure of leopard skin and bones. Surprisingly, 43 skins and one case of bone seizure were reported this year. In 2010, 28 skins and one case of bone seizure were reported this year. In 2010, 28 skins and one case of bone seizure were recorded.
Rajendra Agarwal, state head WPSI said, “Skinand bone seizures are extremely common in Uttarakhand. Members of sapera community and others are involved in smuggling of leopard skins and bones.
Various belts including, Chakrata and Terai have become favorites of animal part traders for transporting skins and bones.”
Apart from seizures, 12 cases of poaching were recorded followed by 18 ‘found dead’, six shot or killed, seven died in rescue operation and eight were in accidents. Besides, five died in territorial infighting and other animals killed three leopards.
It is pertinent to mention here that Rajesh Gopal, member secretary National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had also written to chief wildlife warden, late in November, to implement suggestions made by Brijendra Singh, member NTCA and National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) on man-animal conflict.
When questioned SS Sharma, chief wildlife warden said, “We are taking steps to mitigate man-animal conflict in state. For this, we are in process of adopting several strategies for conservation activities.”
