Forest department traps leopard in cage at Tanashi Bhimarpada village in Dahanu

The Maharashtra Forest Department safely captured a leopard in Tanashi Bhimarpada village of Dahanu taluka in the early hours of Wednesday. The animal had attacked a calf in the village on November 10. The overnight operation used thermal drones and live-feed cameras, and cattle were moved to safe places as per a pre-decided plan.

On Tuesday night, the department received word that the leopard had attacked another calf. Forest officials then set up a cage without delay and placed a calf in it to lure the animal.

Forest staff of the Boisar range and the Dahanu rescue team (the Wildlife Conservation and Animal Welfare Association) kept watch on the leopard throughout the day. A dart gun was kept ready. Thermal drones, live-feed cameras and camera traps were installed to track its movements, especially after dark.

Range Forest Officer Amol Pimple said, "The most crucial phase of the operation began at 12.30 am on Wednesday, when our team and members of the rescue team started moving cattle tied outside homes to safe places within the village. Finally, the leopard walked into the cage in the early hours."

It is suspected that this could be the same leopard that is accused of killing two people in the area over the past two months. However, further checks are under way to confirm its identity. Wildlife experts will examine the rosette marks on its body and other distinguishing features to establish whether it is the same animal.

The leopard was first taken to the Dahanu rescue centre. It will be sent to the transit treatment centre in Thane for a medical examination and identification. Until its identity is established, the department will continue to monitor the area.

The operation was carried out under the guidance of Niranjan Divakar, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Dahanu, and Ramanuj Bangad, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Palghar. Amol Pimple, Range Forest Officer of Dahanu, and his team were also part of it.

The forest department has urged people not to venture out alone at night and to carry torches when walking in groups. Children should not be left alone outside at night or early in the morning. Cattle should be kept in secure sheds.

People have also been warned not to chase the leopard if they see it, and not to crowd around it. They should keep a safe distance and inform forest officials. Officials have also cautioned against circulating fake AI-generated images and videos, saying these could mislead rescue teams and delay operations.