Vijayawada: In a cautious move, forest officials in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district have deployed drones to track the movements of a leopard, whose presence near flower nurseries in Kadiyam for the last few days has triggered panic among villagers.
East Godavari District Forest Officer S. Bharani, in charge of East Godavari, said the forest personnel found pug marks on the leopard, believed to be aged 3-4.
She said nursery farmers along the banks of the Godavari River were being educated on how to protect themselves from possible attack by the leopard.
The forest officials believe the leopard may move towards Mandapeta and Alamuru in the adjoining Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.
Forest officials are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of the villagers. They are setting up CCTV cameras, trap cages, and keeping tranquillizers ready, demonstrating their preparedness to handle the situation.
Meanwhile, forest officials in Konaseema district said they were raising awareness among people in Edida and Mernipadu villages about precautions to take if the leopard enters the villages. Announcements were made over the public address system.
Given the route it has taken along the banks of the river since September 6, the leopard is believed to have reached Kadiyam nurseries after crossing a railway track and a stream in search of a new habitat.
The male leopard was first sighted near the Diwancheruvu West Reserve Forest (DWRF) on the outskirts of Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry) city.
According to forest officials, despite its journey of about 30 kilometres, the leopard has not resorted to any cattle kill, providing significant relief to the villagers.
Forest officials are collaborating with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) experts in Dehradun and receiving input from Pune-based leading experts in rescuing big cats. This comprehensive approach, which ensures that all available knowledge and expertise are being utilised to manage the situation, is a key part of the operation.
The officials involved in the operation were taking all precautions, as the leopard was said to be showing signs of aggressive behaviour.
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–IANS
