Two leopards captured in J&K's Budgam
Srinagar, Aug 10
Two leopards were captured by a J&K Wildlife Protection Department team in Budgam district, leading to residents heaving a sigh of relief.
The leopards in the Lakhripora area of central Kashmir's Budgam district are bringing relief to residents who had been concerned about the presence of the wild animals in the area.
"The leopards were captured during an operation conducted by the department following reports of their movement in the locality. The capture has eased concerns among residents, particularly those living in areas where the leopards had been spotted," an official said.
"Locals expressed relief over the successful operation and said the presence of the animals had created apprehension among residents. The intervention by the Wildlife Protection Department has helped address the immediate concern," the official added.
The Wildlife Department will relocate the captured leopards and release them into their natural habitat, the official said.
Human-wildlife conflict in Jammu and Kashmir is a critical issue, with over 17,000 cases and more than 100 deaths reported over a recent five-year span. Rapid changes in land use, shrinking forest cover, and expanding human settlements near wildlife corridors drive leopards and black bears into populated areas in search of food.
Government data indicates 32 deaths and over 269 injuries occurred in just a two-year window, reflecting persistent danger in rural and orchard-adjacent neighbourhoods.
North and South Kashmir register the highest volumes of encounters, with districts like Shopian frequently reporting high incident rates.
Pastoral communities, farmers working in apple orchards, and children near forest fringes face the highest risks. Beyond physical injuries, recurring proximity to predators leaves many residents with chronic anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
Other main causes of the wild animals moving into human settlements are the conversion of buffer zones, farms, and forests into residential colonies or commercial orchards, fragmenting animal territory.
Reduced natural food sources inside degraded forests force carnivores to scavenge or prey on livestock.
Open garbage dumps near human habitations easily attract omnivores like Asiatic black bears.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Glad the wildlife team acted quickly and safely. It's a delicate balance between human safety and animal welfare. The stats on human-wildlife conflict in J&K are alarming—over 17,000 cases in five years! I hope the authorities also focus on creating awareness and better waste management to reduce such encounters.
Good job by the Wildlife Department! But honestly, why wait for leopards to wander into villages? The government should have preventive measures in place—like fencing near forest edges and better garbage disposal. Jammu Kashmir's apple orchards are prime leopard territory now. We need smarter urban planning near forests.
Finally some positive news from Kashmir! The residents must be so relieved. But I feel for the leopards too—they're just looking for food because their forests are disappearing. We need to address the root cause: climate change and habitat loss. Otherwise, this will keep happening. 🙏
Respect to the forest officials for handling this without harming the animals. But let's be honest—this problem won't end until we stop building houses in forest areas. Converted orchards and residential colonies are pushing these big cats out. The government needs to compensate farmers for losses and also enforce stricter environmental laws.
Great coordination between the locals and the wildlife team! It's a reminder that coexistence is possible with proper management. The relocation to natural habitats is fair. I just hope the department also monitors the released leopards to ensure they adapt well. Wishing safety for both humans and wildlife in J&K. 🌿
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