Now, a leopard strolls into Malad locality

The leopard was seen walking in a building compound at Gokuldham

After frequent sightings of leopards on the periphery of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and Aarey Milk Colony, now a video of one taking a stroll in the premises of a building at Gokuldham in Malad East has gone viral. A Forest Department team has visited the area and spoken to the locals.

‘Don't provoke it'

In the video one can see that the leopard is walking in the building compound and in the background the main road in Gokuldham can be seen. On Tuesday Forest Department personnel interacted with the locals and told them that in case they come across the leopard, they should not try to provoke it, and report the sighting to them so they can decide on a strategy to deal with it.

‘Really surprising'

Talking to mid-day, a wildlife lover from the area, said, "Sightings of leopards were common in Gokuldham area over a decade back, as it is near SGNP. However, the recent sighting at Gokuldham is really surprising, and chances are that the animal might have lost its way. Humans are not natural prey for leopards and that is the reason there has not been any conflict despite the sightings in a highly human dominated landscape. I think people should immediately report any further sightings to the Forest Department."

Also Read: Mumbai: 26 builders owe Rs 177 crore for projects in SGNP eco-sensitive zone

Spreading awareness

In the past two weeks, Mumbaikars for SGNP initiative that involves the park's officials has created awareness about leopards in housing societies adjacent to Aarey Milk Colony and Dindoshi, and have explained people about the do's and don'ts in case they come across one.