Gandhinagar: Leopard population in Gujarat has increased significantly over the past few years, and incidents of leopards entering human settlements and attacking people are also rising at an alarming rate. In view of this growing concern, the Forest Department is now considering the establishment of a large-scale dedicated rescue centre or sanctuary for leopards.

It is learnt that the proposed centre may be developed either in the Saurashtra region or in South Gujarat, where the big cat population is comparatively higher. Recently, during a meeting of the State Wildlife Board, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also instructed the Forest Department to explore the creation of a separate sanctuary for leopards.

Sources further said that the facility may not be limited to leopards alone. There is also an idea to house animals such as nilgai and wild boars in the centre, which would serve as prey for leopards. This could also help control these species, which are known to damage crops and trouble farmers. It is estimated that Gujarat has around 2.24 lakh nilgai, while a proper wild boar census has never been conducted.

At present, the state has 8 to 10 small rescue centres for leopards in locations such as Sasan, Pavagadh and Jambughoda, where man-eating leopards are kept for life. If a large rescue centre is developed across five to ten hectares, permission from the National Zoo Authority would be required. However, if a new sanctuary is established in a similar area, the state government can take an independent decision.

The last leopard census in Gujarat was conducted in 2023, recording 2,274 leopards, compared to 1,395 in the previous census held in 2016. This indicates a 63 percent rise in the leopard population over seven years. Sources said the population has grown rapidly in Saurashtra and South Gujarat. DeshGujarat