Kashmir Grapples With A Surge In Leopard Attacks
Srinagar: Kashmir is witnessing a troubling trend of increased sightings of wild animals, particularly leopards, venturing into human settlements. This has resulted in several tragic encounters, with two minor girls losing their lives to leopard attacks in the last month.
While locals accuse authorities of turning a blind eye to the growing human-wildlife conflict, officials blame unjustified human meddling into natural habitations for the rising attacks.
Officials said that wildlife is being impacted by climate change in a variety of ways, including habitat loss, altered migratory patterns, and declining population. They also attributed the influx of wild animals into human settlements to shifting weather patterns.
Regional Wildlife Warden shed light on the possible connection between this year's unusual snowfall patterns and the rise in human-wildlife encounters. He said, "Snowfall is important for the local wildlife and ecology because it gives wild creatures a place to live, migrate, and get food and insulation. However, a
In the wake of recent reports regarding the presence of a leopard in the Malabagh area of Srinagar, officials from the wildlife department have cautioned residents living in the adjoining areas of Zakura and Malabagh in the
severe or atypical snowfall pattern might also be harmful to their regular survival."
"Shrinking animal habitats brought on by mining, quarrying, and developmental activities along the periphery, as well as encroachments and break-ins along animal movement corridors, all contribute to and intensify the man-animal conflict," Naqash told Kashmir Observer.
“How would you respond if someone broke into your home and forced you to leave? Similarly, when you trespass into a wild animal's territory, such as a leopard or a bear, they will react aggressively," he added.
Several leopard attacks took place in Kashmir this year so far. On March 28, the dead body of a 5-year-old girl, who went missing from her residence in Hariwani village in central Budgam district, was found in a nearby area after mauled to death by a leopard.
Similarly, a 9-year-old was mauled to girl