In 2007, Wildlife SOS in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department established the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre in Junnar, near Pune. The centre is home to over 30 leopards and provides temporary or long-term care for leopards injured by villagers or trapped in conflict situations.
These human-animal conflict scenarios with leopards are complex ones caused by human encroachment upon wild leopards’ natural habitat. Leopards struggle to find a foothold in the vanishing forest and are pushed to take cover in sugarcane farms, relying on village livestock to survive. This has caused indiscriminate trapping and killing of leopards perceived to be a threat. The centre also houses several orphaned leopard cubs who cannot be released back into the wild as they are severely imprinted.
Our primary goal is to contribute to the conservation of the imperilled Indian leopard population on one of the most heavily human populated and dominated landscapes in the world. We continue to conduct regular training programmes detailing “capacity building” for forest department staff and for vets in outlining the use of tranquilising gear. We also provide education to local farming communities thereby increasing their awareness and tolerance for coexistence with these beautiful cats.
Wildlife SOS manages the centre in collaboration with Maharashtra Forest Department with support from Humane Society International-Australia and Terra-et Faune-Switzerland.
 Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre, Manikdoh Dam Road, Khamgaon, Maharashtra 410502 |
