Sugarcane field leopards of Junnar radio-collared

Researchers are continuously monitoring the cats roaming in the 35-40 sq km area

As part of a study to understand the life of leopards staying in the sugarcane fields of Maharashtra, which will also help the forest department and researchers plan better conservation strategies for the big cats, three leopards were recently radio-collared at Junnar.

The leopards, including one male, have been named Surya, Jija and Heerkani. Dr Bilal Habib, senior scientist from the Wildlife Institute of India said, "The aim is to understand the movement pattern and distribution of the leopards staying in sugarcane fields. The outcome of the project will help us in preparing better conservation strategies for the leopards and also in reducing the man-animal conflict."

Habib said the researchers are monitoring the cats in the 35-40 sq km area. "Leopards in Junnar have made the sugarcane fields their home and because of the radio collars we will know some very interesting facts like how much they rest, when are they most active, how much they travel and how these cats avoid humans," added Habib.

Deputy Conservator of Forest Jayrame Gowda from Junnar division said, "The study is very crucial because it will give us a lot of information on how they cross linear infrastructure projects, canals, rivers etc."