These two back-to-back incidents — one of a leopard being treated like a selfie prop and another being violently assaulted — starkly highlight the deep disconnect between humans and wildlife, and the growing urgency for stronger awareness and action.
While forest officials eventually rescued the animals in both cases, the damage done in those critical initial moments underscores a troubling lack of understanding about how to treat wild creatures, especially those granted the highest protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
According to the law, any harassment, injury, or capture of such animals is not only unethical but also a criminal offence. Yet, in both instances, leopards were manhandled, photographed, and physically attacked — acts that could lead to legal consequences, but more importantly, expose the gaps in wildlife education at the grassroots level.
Experts warn that India is witnessing a steady rise in human-wildlife conflict, driven largely by habitat loss, urban encroachment, and dwindling green corridors. With an estimated leopard population of around 12,852 (as per the last official census), the species remains vulnerable to both shrinking habitats and public hostility.
What’s clear is that much more effort is needed to ensure the safety and dignity of wild animals. This includes:
- Stronger enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
- Public education campaigns in rural and urban areas teach people how to respond during wildlife encounters.
- Improved rapid response mechanisms by forest departments and better coordination with local communities.
- Investment in habitat conservation, so that animals are less likely to stray into human settlements in the first place.
Without proactive steps, such encounters will only become more frequent — and more tragic — for both humans and the wildlife they disturb. These leopards, symbols of India’s rich biodiversity, deserve more than to be treated as a spectacle or a threat. They deserve protection, respect, and space to exist safely in their natural habitats.