SRINAGAR: 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
