Pune: Leopard rescue operations have reached an unprecedented scale in the Junnar forest division, with records showing that 238 leopards were saved from precarious situations between 2020-21 and 2025-26 — 64 in 2024-25 alone.The Junnar forest division spans Junnar, Ambegaon, Shirur and Khed tehsils, with multiple forest ranges in Manchar, Otur,Chakan, and Ghodegaon too. The Shirur range has emerged as the most affected from 2020, accounting for 71 rescues, followed by Otur (57) and Manchar (44) — indicating concentrated conflict zones.A rescuer who has handled several such missions described the intensity. “Last year was demanding. There were days when we handled multiple calls across ranges. Leopards were found in wells, fields and near homes. Safe rescue of 64 big cats in a year shows the scale of ground effort,” he said.Forest officials attributed the rise in cases of leopards straying into human inhabitation or human-wildlife conflict to shrinking habitats, expansion of agriculture and availability of easy prey, like dogs. Sugar cane fields, in particular, are preferred hiding spots due to the dense cover.Assistant conservator of forest Smita Rajhans told TOI: “The number 64 in 2024-25 — the highest in the last five years — shows the pressure on the wildlife and our response systems. We receive frequent distress calls, especially from sugar cane belts where leopards find shelter and prey.” Rescue teams operate round-the-clock, often entering dense fields or residential fringes to safely capture leopards using cages or tranquilisation, she added.Rescues do not include leopards captured after fatal attacks on humans or female leopards united with cubs, but do take into account big cats injured in highway accidents or otherwise.Meanwhile, officials said each operation required precision and coordination to avoid panic among villagers and injury to the animal. It spreads over a few hours, particularly when animals are stuck in wells.Villagers, who frequently report leopard sightings, acknowledged the efforts, but also expressed anxiety. “We see leopards near our homes and fields almost every month,” said Deepak Ukirde, a resident of a village near Narayangaon.”The forest team responds quickly, but the fear remains. Children and livestock are always at risk,” he added.Another official said, “The incidents were occasional earlier, but are routine now. We have strengthened our response teams, increased surveillance and improved coordination with local communities.”Rajhans said, “We have established base camps at strategic locations. Our teams there respond to distress calls immediately. They work 24×7 and have thus executed rescue operations successfully over the last few years.”Additionally, the forest department trains rescuers at regular intervals to acquaint them with drills and equipment, said officials.Despite efforts, data revealed a concerning trend — rescues alone have not reduced conflict permanently. Experts said long-term solutions must include habitat management, community awareness and better waste control to reduce prey availability near human settlements.For now, rescue teams remain on constant alert. “We move as soon as we get a call. For us, it’s not just a job, it’s about saving both human lives and wildlife,” said rescuers.
