In a first-of-its-kind wildlife management initiative in India, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has approved Maharashtra’s proposal to implement a leopard birth control programme to reduce human–animal conflict in high-risk areas. The pilot phase will be launched in Junnar, a region that has witnessed frequent leopard encounters due to a unique mix of agriculture, dense settlements and movement corridors.
Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, during a review meeting in Pune, confirmed that the project aims to scientifically control leopard population without harming the animals. The Pune district alone is estimated to host around 1,300 leopards, making it one of the densest big-cat landscapes outside forest reserves. Rising attacks in the past five years have led to panic, protests and demands for strong action from local communities.
During the first phase, five female leopards will undergo an immunocontraceptive procedure at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre. This method, commonly used in global wildlife population control, is considered humane and non-invasive compared to surgical sterilisation. The initiative will be monitored by a committee headed by the Deputy Conservator of Forest, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) will guide technical and scientific aspects. If successful, the programme may be extended to Nashik and Ahilyanagar, two other conflict-prone districts.
The approval comes after a 17-month review process that included clarifications, revisions and scientific evaluation by WII. Meanwhile, public pressure escalated following multiple fatal attacks in recent months, including the death of a 13-year-old boy in Shirur on November 1.
Officials believe the programme could become a national policy model for managing rising big-cat numbers near human settlements, balancing conservation and community safety.
