Leopards from the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in the heart of suburban Mumbai have killed eight people this year in localities adjoining the sprawling park.

There have been attacks by leopards in Borivli (west of the park), the Aarey Colony (south of the park), and Mulund (east of the park).

Man-Animal Conflict:

Mumbai is the only metropolis in the world with a national park sheltering wild animals in its midst.

The sanctuary is spread over an area of 104 square kilometres and gives the metropolis its much-needed reserve of clean air, water, and ecological security.

In recent times, however, human settlements around the park have grown manifold and property developers have even encroached upon forest land. This in turn has lured the leopards out into the residential areas.

The frequent leopard attacks and casualties have forced the state government to take some measures, such as:
* releasing 500 pigs into the national park for the 33 leopards to feed on;
* increased patrolling by forest guards;
* warnings to forest dwellers and residents on the periphery not to wander in after dusk and before dawn;
* building a compound wall along the park's boundaries; and,
* setting up a Spot Leopard Force (see photograph) comprising 8-9 persons, including two forest guards and a veterinary doctor. If the team comes across a leopard on the outskirts of the park, it will tranquillise the animal and release it deeper inside.

Photograph: Deepak Salvi

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