Spreading awareness is an important aspect of animal welfare, and as an organisation committed to conserving wildlife, our aim is to place resolute focus on this. Large predators such as tigers and leopards are feared by humans, which in turn influences a hostile perception of wild animals. In many settlements, this leads to retaliatory attacks and fatalities of animals that are unexpectedly encountered. It is crucial to guide people living close to forested regions on the necessary measures that can be taken in such situations.
Wildlife SOS has been conducting several interactive events in Maharashtra to ensure that knowledge about the surrounding wildlife is spread among citizens of all ages. From parents and their children to teachers and local inhabitants, information is imparted on how to respond to a sudden sighting in an appropriate way. Understanding animal behaviour and following a sensitive approach strongly helps to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, especially in those areas where these occur frequently. Let’s understand the different methods used by Wildlife SOS in promoting vital awareness in conflict regions of Maharashtra.
Interactive Awareness Session with Village Residents
In early November 2023, Mr. Mahendra Balu Dhore, Project Manager at Wildlife SOS along with the District Forest Officer (DCF) and Range Forest Officer (RFO), visited the Manjarwadi village to address concerns arising from leopard interactions. The Junnar Forest Department had organised an informative session on coexisting with leopards in the region. Mr. Dhore addressed nearly 70 residents who attended the event, and delved into various aspects of leopard behaviour and the need for its conservation. Participants were informed of what led to persistent sightings of leopards, and the optimal ways of peacefully sharing their habitat by avoiding attacks. To sensitise the attendees, insights were also given on the size and weight of a leopard, what constitutes their prey, and suitable preventive measures that can be taken to protect their livestock.
The team went ahead to emphasise the importance of daily patrolling when recent challenges of recurring leopard encounters in Manjarwadi village were brought up. The officials closely engaged with the community to clarify their misconceptions and doubts. The discussion covered topics of human safety, creating secure enclosures for livestock, implementing safety measures for domestic dogs, and preventing potential human-leopard conflicts.
Wildlife Wisdom at a Hostel
An awareness workshop was conducted at R. P. Sabnis Vidyalaya Narayangaon Girls’ Hostel in Junnar, Maharashtra, for which 35 students eagerly attended. The focus of this session was to educate participants on how to detect leopard pugmarks, so that they gain the ability to recognise and comprehend their distinctive tracks effectively. The discussion also included key facts about leopards, such as its lifespan, stages of development, and behaviour. The information presented during the workshop not only improved the participants’ knowledge about wildlife, but also established the need for harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.
Human and Leopard Safety Awareness in School
In the village of Pimpri Pendhar, an educational event was organised at the Shree Sadguru Sitaram Maharaj Vidyalaya by Wildlife SOS, in collaboration with the forest department. The session was aimed to specifically educate the community about essential precautions that must be taken in the presence of leopards, as they were commonly sighted in the village. Parents of students raised their concerns regarding the safety of their children while they travelled to school each day. With a larger number of people interested to learn more on how to tackle such situations, the session was moved outside the school’s premises, bringing in participation from the local residents as well. Approximately 300 individuals, including students, their parents and concerned villagers, were present during the illuminating session that lasted nearly an hour. An engaging question-and-answer session followed this, providing a platform for the community to bring up their queries. Crucial information about leopards was dispersed successfully, ensuring a greater consciousness among the attendees.
Wildlife SOS Booth at a Science Exhibition
In Mahalunge village located 33 kilometres away from Pune, a science exhibition took place at Dnyanvardhini English Medium School. Wildlife SOS was invited to this event to showcase and impart their knowledge on the prevailing issue of human-animal conflict.
Informative and interesting posters on leopard behaviour, its stages of life, dental characteristics, and feeding habits, were put up by our team across a room allocated to the team. These posters encouraged many curious visitors to engage in pertinent discussions with our skilled team members during the daylong exhibition.
Our team also displayed the rescue equipment used by Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit, which included binoculars, camera traps, rescue ropes, life jackets, and first-aid kits to provide emergency medical treatment to the animal. The commendable event allowed students to learn about the critical issue of human-animal conflict, and promote awareness of conservation within the youth.
If you too are interested in having us conduct awareness or training sessions led by our team of professionals, please contact us at info@wildlifesos.org.
