Minister called leopard task force
Bengaluru: In view of the increasing number of big cats in residential areas, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ishwar B Khandre on Monday directed the department to set up a leopard task force for Bengaluru for quick response in rescuing the animals.
Noting that there is a general trend for more wildlife to move out of the forests due to food shortage following a weak monsoon this year, Khandre said the sighting of animals on the outskirts of the city has created panic among people.
“There is a need to immediately set up a task force to rescue leopards wandering in human habitations and translocate or rehabilitate them,” the minister said.
Earlier, in view of the increasing human-elephant conflict, Khandre had ordered the formation of a task force for Bengaluru (Bannerghatta) and Ramanagara. He said similar measures should be implemented in places with good populations of leopards and bears.
He said that a well-equipped task force can be formed for each of the three districts having hilly and forest areas. Khandre stressed the need for adequate training including mock operations to ensure preparedness.
