The last couple of weeks was a nightmare to residents of Electronic City as Leopard entry to the areas of Chikkathoguru, Singasandra, Kudlu Gate and AECS layout, let’s walk through the possible scenarios and reasons why leopards might migrate to urban cities:
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Human activities such as deforestation, urbanisation, and agricultural expansion can lead to the fragmentation and loss of natural habitats for leopards. As a consequence, leopards might be forced to migrate to urban areas in search of suitable living conditions.
Prey Availability: Leopards are carnivores and rely on a supply of prey to survive. Urban areas sometimes provide an abundant supply of prey, such as stray dogs, feral cats, and other small animals, which can attract leopards to these areas.
Territorial Disputes: In some cases, territorial disputes with other leopards or dominant predators might force some individuals to seek out new territories, including urban areas, to establish their own space.
Water Sources: Leopards, like other animals, require access to water sources. Urban areas often have water bodies such as ponds, reservoirs, or artificial lakes that can attract leopards in search of water.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encounters with humans or livestock in rural areas can lead to conflict, resulting in leopards seeking refuge in less hostile urban environments.
Adaptability: Leopards have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to human-altered environments, making them more likely to survive in urban settings compared to some other wildlife species.
Prey Availability: Leopards are carnivores and rely on a supply of prey to survive. Urban areas sometimes provide an abundant supply of prey, such as stray dogs, feral cats, and other small animals, which can attract leopards to these areas.
Territorial Disputes: In some cases, territorial disputes with other leopards or dominant predators might force some individuals to seek out new territories, including urban areas, to establish their own space.
Water Sources: Leopards, like other animals, require access to water sources. Urban areas often have water bodies such as ponds, reservoirs, or artificial lakes that can attract leopards in search of water.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encounters with humans or livestock in rural areas can lead to conflict, resulting in leopards seeking refuge in less hostile urban environments.
Adaptability: Leopards have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to human-altered environments, making them more likely to survive in urban settings compared to some other wildlife species.
Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has instructed his department to establish a rapid response task force specifically for dealing with leopard sightings. Days have passed since the elusive large cat that was prowling through this residential area was shot and killed during its arrest
