Leopard attacks rise in India as urban development encroaches on habitats

Leopard attacks in India have increased as urban and agricultural development encroaches on their habitats. In Maharashtra, eight deaths have occurred since March, while Uttarakhand and Rajasthan also report multiple fatalities this year. Conservationists emphasize the need to understand leopard behavior to reduce conflicts. They suggest strategies like limiting community dependence on forest resources and managing leopard populations humanely. Education and habitat management are also crucial for coexistence. In Mumbai, a sensitization program has successfully reduced human-leopard interactions. Experts advocate for long-term solutions, including waste management and better town planning, to foster coexistence between humans and leopards.