Prayagraj: Leopards are moving from the forests of Mirzapur and Madhya Pradesh towards Prayagraj, prompting the Forest Department to raise alerts and increase surveillance. Villagers are being educated on safety measures to prevent conflicts with these big cats.
Increased Leopard Sightings in Prayagraj
Leopards, traditionally inhabiting the forests of Madhya Pradesh, Mirzapur, and Chitrakoot, are now frequently appearing in Prayagraj’s hilly and forested areas. Earlier, leopards were rarely spotted here, once every two years, but their movement towards the city has intensified in recent months.
Three months ago, a leopard was captured in Chhiviya village, Bahadurpur, and remained in the Ganga riverfront area for nearly a year. Recently, a leopard was found dead in the Dighiya area of Manda, killed in a road accident.
Why Are Leopards Moving?
Forest officials explain that leopards rarely live in groups. Around the age of one to one-and-a-half years, young leopards leave their family territories to establish their own hunting grounds. They often face conflicts with other leopards and tigers, and losing leopards migrate to new areas.
“With the increasing leopard population in Madhya Pradesh and Chitrakoot, these conflicts are pushing leopards towards Prayagraj,” said a forest official. Prayagraj’s forests and hilly terrain provide safe and suitable habitats for the big cats.
Forest Department Steps Up Monitoring
The Forest Department has issued alerts in response to rising leopard movements. Surveillance has been intensified in Koraon, Meja, and Handia ranges, particularly near the Madhya Pradesh border. Teams are also educating local villagers on safety measures, such as avoiding forested areas at night, keeping livestock protected, and reporting sightings immediately.
Ensuring Human-Leopard Safety
Authorities emphasize coexistence while minimizing risk. “Leopards are moving in search of safe territory. Awareness and caution are key to preventing incidents,” said an official. The department urges residents to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines to reduce human-leopard conflicts.
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