Assam: Leopard Spotted In Dibrugarh, Raises Human-Wildlife Conflict Concerns
DIBRUGARH: A leopard was spotted in Jibon Phukan Nagar, Dibrugarh, causing fear among residents. The big cat was captured on CCTV cameras at The Dibrugarh Address hotel, prompting authorities to launch search operations to capture and rescue the animal.
The incident shows the rising problem of human-animal conflict in the area, mainly caused by habitat loss. Experts say shrinking tea gardens, which were once home to leopards, are pushing them into human areas to find food.
The forest department is working to catch and rehabilitate leopards that enter residential areas. However, the larger issue of habitat destruction remains a major concern, leading to frequent encounters between humans and wildlife.
Meanwhile, earlier this year, four leopard cubs, estimated to be around four weeks old, were found abandoned in a garden at Sasoni Bhokot village in Assam’s Dibrugarh district on January 7.
The cubs were discovered in a secluded area of a garden owned by local farmer Pramod Mahanta, drawing a crowd of curious onlookers.
Upon getting the information, the forest department immediately sent a team with veterinarians to ensure the cubs' safety. Officials said the cubs were healthy and would be taken to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) near Kaziranga National Park for special care. The CWRC had the experience and facilities to take care of young animals.