Overview
- The forest department has signed an agreement with Vantara to relocate 50 leopards, with the first batch of 20 transported from the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre to Jamnagar on Saturday.
- Officials said the initial transfer follows Central Zoo Authority approvals, and further phases will proceed after the first relocation is reviewed.
- The pact also covers staff training, capacity building and technical support for Maharashtra’s wildlife teams, according to department officials.
- Animal-welfare groups reported prolonged confinement of 19 leopards in Ahilyanagar, while local forest officers said 14 were released and the rest moved to larger transit enclosures at Bargaon Nandur.
- To expand local capacity, the Ahilyanagar division has proposed a 200-leopard holding and treatment facility that has in-principle CZA approval, with final clearance under consideration next week.