Leopard collared by Junnar division crossed Western Ghats to reach Thane

The Junnar Forest Division along with Scientist Dr Bilal Habib from Wildlife Institute of India (WII) had started the radio-collaring project to get information about the life of leopards staying in the sugarcane fields

In yet another important observation that came to light due to radio-collaring, the leopard, which was collared in Junnar Forest Division (JFD) and released in JFD, went to Thane district by descending the Western Ghats. Current information shows that the male leopard has returned and is utilising forested areas of JFD. Mid-day was the first to report how the leopard had walked from Junnar to Ulhasnagar.

Talking mid-day Biologist Dr Bilal Habib from Wildlife Institute of India (WII) said, "The male leopard, which was collared in Junnar Forest Division (JFD) and released in JFD, went to Thane district by descending the Western Ghats. Current information shows that the male leopard has returned by ascending Western ghats and is utilising forested areas of JFD." It may be noted that the leopard has moved approximately 180 km, from the release date-till date (excluding the home range).

This leopard crossed rivers and linear infrastructure

"The home range was of 58 sq km approximately in the forested patch adjoining Ulhasnagar and Badlapur (date October 20, 2021, to January 14, 2022). A couple of depredation cases in this area were validated by our research team. As previously reported, during the entire movement, this leopard crossed rivers like Kalu, Ulhas and linear infrastructure - Ahmednagar-Kalyan Highway and Titwala rail track," added Habib .

This study is providing unique and crucial information on the movement pattern of leopards in Western Maharashtra. Earlier this year, the Junnar Forest Division of Maharashtra Forest Department along with Scientist Dr Bilal Habib from Wildlife Institute of India (WII) had started the radio-collaring project to get information about the life of leopards staying in the sugarcane fields of Maharashtra.

58sq km
Home range was in forested patch near Ulhasnagar and Badlapur