At least five persons including two women and three Wildlife department officials were injured in a leopard attack in Ganderbal on Wednesday. The leopard was however, captured alive by the authorities.

An official said that locals spotted a leopard roaming in the area and informed the department concerned, following which a massive hunt was launched.

He said that two women amongst three wildlife officials got injured after they were attacked by the leopard during the search operation.

After hectic efforts the leopard was captured alive by the Wildlife officials, he said.

Meanwhile, the injured have been shifted to a nearby medical facility for treatment. (KNO)

SRINAGAR: Following another fatal attack on a minor child in the Khansahib area of central Kashmir's Budgam district, the Wildlife Department issued shoot-at-sight orders on Friday to eliminate the "man-eater" leopard.

The Khansahib area has been gripped with fear and anguish after a series of leopard attacks claimed the lives of two minor girls and left a minor boy injured within a span of 17 days.

Altaf Hussain, Wildlife Warden (Central), informed the news agency, Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that they have issued the shoot-at-sight order for the "man-eater" leopard.

"Our first priority will be tranquilising or trapping the animal, but if these measures fail, shooting will be considered. After assessing the situation, orders have been issued to hunt down the said animal following the necessary formalities," he said.

Over the past 17 days, the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Department has conducted extensive search operations, utilising drones in various areas where the presence of the leopard is suspected.

Officials have advised residents to stay indoors, especially during morning and evening hours, to avoid further attacks until the leopard is captured.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Akshay Labroo asked people in the area to stay indoors, particularly in the morning and evening, and to take extra care of their children by not letting them go outside.

Speaking to media persons following his visit to Hariwani where a 7-year-old girl was mauled to death by a leopard, the DC advised people to exercise extra caution until the operation is over, especially with regard to their children, and to walk in groups to prevent any more unfortunate incidents.

"I urge people to cooperate with the police, wildlife, and revenue departments to make this operation effective. Only then will people be able to heave a sigh of relief when the leopard that has turned into a monster is swiftly apprehended," he said.

"In order for the wildlife team and police to follow up on leads, sightings can also be reported to our SDPO, SHO and police department, who are already at work," the DC said.

Earlier, speaking to the media persons, SDM Khansahib said the administration is keeping a close eye on the leopard. "Cages had already been set up in Samsan village, but unfortunately, the leopard moved and attacked another child four kilometres away in Hariwani," he said.

He said that under the Deputy Commissioner's direction, a wildlife team has been permanently deployed in the village, and community awareness campaigns have been conducted, advising residents to stay inside during the morning and evening hours and to take extra care of their children until the leopard is apprehended.

Describing the horrific incident, Ajaz Ahmad, a local of Hariwani, said that 7-year-old Toiba Mushtaq was taken away from the lawns of her home in the evening, despite her mother being with her when they stepped outside to use the toilet. Her body was later found in nearby bushes.

"Out of the three brothers, only one brother had a child, and she was that, but the leopard also made her its victim. The Wildlife Department hasn't succeeded in catching it, and the district administration has remained a silent spectator," he lamented. "No orders are being given by them to kill this leopard even after two killings. We are living in constant fear, and our children are not able to go out of the house, affecting their education."

Javed Ahmad, another local of Hariwani village, said the recent leopard attacks have left them trembling with fear. "We cannot even step out of our homes without worrying about the safety of our children. Yesterday, after killing a minor girl, the leopard attacked another person in the same village, but he luckily managed to escape," he said.

"This man-eating leopard attacks by entering the yards of houses, and fearing that, a person cannot even step outside the houses. The Wildlife Department has very few staff, due to which they are not able to catch the leopard," he added—(KNO)

SRINAGAR: A nine-year-old girl was mauled to death by a leopard in central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Monday evening.

Officials said that a leopard attacked Rabiya Nisar (9) near her residence in the Samsan area of Khansahib.

“The minor girl was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival,” they said.

SRINAGAR: Hours after injuring a youth, a Wildlife Department team in Bandipora on Monday successfully captured a leopard in Hajin area. 

"In a swift response to the attack, a Wildlife Department team, led by Range Officer Fida ur Rehman, successfully captured the leopard", an official told GNS.

Earlier a youth identified as Umar Zahoor Sofi, son of Zahoor Ahmad Sofi, was injured after being attacked by the leopard, following which he was referred to JVC Hospital for further treatment after initially receiving care at a hospital in Hajin. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: A recent comprehensive survey conducted by a team of conservationists and researchers has unveiled Kishtwar High Altitude National Park and South Eastern Paddar as critical habitats for the endangered Snow Leopard in India.

A government official said that the research team comprising Dr. Pankaj Chandan (NDF- Jammu) and Dr Muneeb (NCF-Mysore) has worked in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Protection and under the guidance of Dr Neeraj Sharma (Incharge Institute of Mountain and Environment Jammu University, Bhaderwah Campus) and close supervision of Dr. Tariq Shah (Research Associate Wildlife Department).

Snow Leopards, classified as a threatened species, find refuge in mountain habitats across Central Asia, including the Himalayan Mountain ranges spanning 12 countries.

These elusive cats predominantly prey on Ibex, Blue Sheep, Marmots, and lagomorphs, showcasing remarkable adaptations for survival in harsh and high-altitude environments.

The groundbreaking survey, marking the first-ever comprehensive study of Snow Leopards in Kishtwar, underscores the region's ecological significance. Utilizing advanced camera trap technology, the study captured a substantial number of Snow Leopards and their prey in their natural habitat, affirming the area's potential as a pivotal conservation site for these rare felines.

Covering two primary areas, Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, Marwah-Dachhan, Kishtwar, and South-eastern Paddar in Kishtwar, the survey meticulously delineated grids for observation, he said.

"Deploying 278 camera traps across 135 locations revealed the presence of approximately 20 individual Snow Leopards, including an adult with two cubs, confirming breeding within the Kishtwar Snow Leopard population.
While Snow Leopards are found in various regions in India, Kishtwar, after Ladakh, boasts the highest density of these majestic cats," he said.

He added that efforts to estimate the overall population in Kishtwar are ongoing, promising critical insights into Snow Leopard conservation strategies.
The findings not only highlight the urgent need for robust conservation measures to protect Kishtwar's Snow Leopard habitat but also present an opportunity for responsible ecotourism development, the official said.

Similar initiatives in Ladakh and other Snow Leopard regions have proven successful, potentially creating employment avenues for local youth as tour guides, said the official adding that this milestone study lays a strong foundation for further surveys aimed at accurately estimating Snow Leopard populations in Jammu and Kashmir, crucial for their conservation.

Building upon the initial findings that highlighted the significant presence of these elusive felines, the subsequent surveys have continued to yield encouraging results. The evolving estimation of nearly 100 Snow Leopards within the district emphasizes the critical importance of conserving the habitat and implementing comprehensive conservation measures.

The Wildlife Department, acknowledging the importance of these findings, calls for collaborative efforts among government bodies, conservation organizations, and local communities to safeguard Kishtwar's Snow Leopard population.
The discovery of a thriving Snow Leopard population in Kishtwar not only reaffirms its significance as a conservation stronghold but also opens doors to showcasing its biodiversity through sustainable ecotourism initiatives.
Together, by protecting these iconic species and embracing responsible tourism, we can ensure a future where humans and wildlife thrive in harmony. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: A ‘man-eater’ leopard was killed in village Nichama of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district this evening, local sources said.

They told GNS that a leopard, believed to have killed a three-year-old boy last Monday, was killed by the Wildlife Department shooters.

“The leopard had been on prowl and posed an imminent threat to locals and their livestock”, they said adding as soon as the beast emerged, the watchful locals gathered around to chase it away and in the meantime a team of Wildlife Department laced with required weapons shot at the beast, resulting in its instant death.

When contacted, a Wildlife Department official confirmed to GNS about the killing of the leopard. “We were on watch to track its movements ever after the death of the minor boy took place yesterday”, the official said.

Meanwhile the local populace has extended gratitude towards the District Administration and Wildlife Department for killing the beast. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: A 6-year-old girl was mauled to death by a leopard in Nichama Rajwar village in Handwara of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Saturday evening.

Reports reaching GNS said that one Subhat Jan Daughter of Ab Ahad Mir was pounced upon by a leopard while she was playing outside her home in Nichama Rajwar. 

The beast reportedly dragged the girl into dense forests. Alerted by the cries, the family and locals chased the leopard and retrieved the girl in critical condition. 

The girl was evacuated to GMC Handwara where the doctors declared her as dead on arrival.

The incident has created panic among the villagers and have demanded authorities to trap the leopard to avoid any such incident in future. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: A man-eater leopard was killed by the locals in a village in Bijbehara of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district this evening, local sources said.

They told GNS that a leopard, mauling a two-year boy to death a week before, was killed by the locals of Dadoo Marhama in Bijbehara.

“The leopard was on prowl and posed an imminent threat to locals and their livestock”, they said adding as soon as the beast emerged, the watchful locals gathered around and beat it up with sticks, resulting in its instant death.

When contacted, a Wildlife Department official also confirmed to GNS about the killing of the leopard. “We too had been on a watch to track its movements ever since the incident involving death of the minor boy took place”, the official said. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Three persons were injured after attacked by a leopard in Rafiabad area of North Kashmir Baramulla district on last night.

Reports reaching news agency—Kashmir Scroll said that the leopard attacked and seriously injured three people in Rafiabad area.

They said that leopard has been roaming in different villages including Ferozepura, Achabl and LoriHama. They said that Wildlife is in pursuit of him but has failed to catch him yet and People have appealed the administration to mobilize the department against him so that human lives won't get lost. All injured have been shifted to hospital for treatment, they said—(KS)

SRINAGAR: A man was injured after attacked by leopard in forest area of Bijhama North Kashmir Baramulla district on Monday.

An official told news agency, Kashmir Scroll that man namely Ali sheer khan s/o Ab aziz khan R/o Lachipora was attacked by leopard in Forest area of Dazna Bijhama. In the incident, he got injured and shifted to hospital for treatment.

 Meanwhile, further investigation has been taken up. (KS)

 SRINAGAR: A leopard was captured alive in Bijhama Boniyar area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday. An official told news agency, Kashmir Scroll that the leopard was captured after Wildlife Department received a call about its presence in Bijhama area.

Soon after getting the information, the leopard was captured without causing any damage or injury to anyone, he said.

Latter on the leopard will be taken to a safe location and will be set free. (KS)

SRINAGAR: At least two persons were injured after being attacked by a leopard in Pahalgam area in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday evening, officials said.

Identifying the injured duo as Abdul Razzaq Chopan (30), son of Khazir Mohammad Chopan and Abdul Aziz Chopan (35) son of Khazir Mohammad Chopan, the officials said the duo was attacked near forest area at Ganeshpura Baisaran in Pahalgam.

“The injured duo was evacuated from the site to GMC Anantnag, where both of them are said to be stable as of now”, the officials said further. (GNS)