Leopard Task Force creates awareness on man-leopard conflict in T. Narasipur

T. Narasipur: To commemorate International Leopard Day (May 3), the recently formed Leopard Task Force (LTF) created awareness about the man-leopard conflict at villages in T. Narasipur and surrounding areas, by distributing  handbills

Since three people were killed by leopards in the one last year due to man-animal conflict in T. Narasipur taluk, officials of Mysuru Division Forest Department and members of LTF visited T. Narasipur town and surrounding villages on Friday which also happens to be International Leopard Day and distributed pamphlets to create awareness about man-leopard conflict and  to ease their tension about leopard menace in the region.

Speaking at a function organised at the foot of Ukkalgere Mallikarjunaswamy Hills, Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF) Dr. K.N. Basavaraj said that leopard is a shy animal and runs away at the sight of humans. Except certain specific circumstances, there is history of them attacking humans. Leopard cubs are found in sugarcane fields during harvest season and to protect them leopards might scare away people. The Department has formed a Task Force to immediately respond to the complaints about such leopard menace, he said.

“People need not become too anxious about leopard menace. They should immediately inform the Forest Department about any issues regarding  leopard movements,” added the DCF and assured that the Forest Department will always be ready do everything to protect the people from leopard menace.

Later, the Department officials went to Ukkalagere, Kallipura, Kehtupura, Attalli, Bettahalli, Senapatihalli, M.L. Hundi villages and briefed people about man-leopard conflict.

ACF N. Lakshmikantha, resource persons Nanjaraja Urs and others participated in the awareness programme.

A quiz contest and a drawing competition were organised for school children. Prizes were distributed to the winners of the competitions.