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A wildlife enthusiast from the Beed-based Jivdaya Foundation has alleged that 21 leopards captured following incidents of human-wildlife conflict in Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra have been confined to small trap cages for the past two to three months. The Forest Department has attributed this to a shortage of space, while maintaining that adequate care and monitoring of the animals are being ensured.

The foundation has further alleged that at least 19 leopards have been confined in small cages in a forest patch at Vadgaon Sawtal in Parner taluka of Ahilyanagar district for the past three months.

According to the organisation, the prolonged confinement has taken a severe toll on the animals’ physical and mental health.

Demanding urgent intervention, the foundation has called for the immediate rehabilitation of the leopards and their release into reserved forests, sanctuaries, or other safe habitats.

Confined in small cages

“Keeping mute wildlife confined in small cages for months is cruel. If pregnant leopards give birth inside these cages, their lives will be at serious risk. Rehabilitation in reserved forest areas must be carried out without further delay,” said Nitin Alkute, an animal lover from Beed and a member of the Jivdaya Foundation.

Forest Department reacts

“The leopards have been kept in trap cages due to the lack of space at existing facilities. Proposals for new rescue centres have already been sent to the Central Zoo Authority, and the process to construct around 60 enclosures in Nashik and Ahmednagar districts is under way. In the meantime, we are ensuring proper care of the captured leopards, with cages cleaned daily and their health monitored regularly,” a senior Forest Department official said.