A recent leopard sighting in Thane’s Manpada area has prompted animal welfare volunteers and forest officials to step in with swift action—balancing both public safety and wildlife conservation.
The big cat was spotted near a residential society along Gladys Alwares Road in the early hours of Wednesday. In response, the forest department, supported by volunteers, launched a search operation to ensure the leopard had safely moved out of the residential zone. Camera traps installed in the locality did not capture fresh movement on Thursday, but authorities remain on alert.
Awareness Before Panic
Alongside the search efforts, forest officials and wildlife activists held an awareness camp for residents. The session focused on reducing man-animal conflict and educating locals on how to respond responsibly if they come across a wild animal.
“There has been no human-leopard contact so far, but we advised residents to remain cautious—especially after dusk,” explained Rohit Mohite, member of the Wildlife Welfare Association.
Key safety measures shared with residents included:
- Move only in well-lit areas after dark.
- Do not chase, provoke, or throw stones at wild animals.
- Immediately alert authorities on 1926 if a leopard is sighted.
Signs of Leopard Movement
Volunteers also reported spotting old pugmarks inside a nearby closed industrial complex, suggesting the leopard had been moving around the locality for a few days. A combing operation under the supervision of the forest department is scheduled to further confirm its movement patterns.
Mohite reassured residents: “Leopards moving through suburban green patches is natural. There is no need to panic as long as precautions are followed. Our aim is to ensure coexistence while keeping both humans and wildlife safe.”
Why It Matters
Mumbai’s urban expansion has steadily shrunk natural habitats, bringing leopards closer to human settlements. Initiatives like awareness drives are crucial to prevent conflict and promote harmony between people and wildlife.
At animalrights.in, we believe every sighting is a reminder: conservation is not just about protecting animals in forests, but also about learning to live alongside them responsibly in our shared spaces.
