CANACONA: In Canacona, the intrusion of leopards into villages has surged in recent years, spurred by deforestation encroaching on their natural habitats.
Forested areas and hillocks, typical habitats for leopards, now see these big cats increasingly foraging for food and water in human settlements. Just days ago, a leopard was rescued from a well and relocated to the Bondla wildlife sanctuary. The following day, two pet dogs fell victim to leopards, indicating a concerning uptick in the leopard population.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Residents recount harrowing encounters, Dipu Faldesai from Tudal, Gaodongrem, mourned the loss of a dog to a leopard attack, highlighting the predators’ bold incursions into residential areas.
This trend isn’t limited to leopards alone; bison and wild boars also encroach on human territory, damaging fields and orchards. Peter Fernandes from Mokhard stressed the need to curb human interference in the wild, allowing animals to fulfill their needs within their natural habitats.
Local farmer Krushna Velip from Vaijawada, Shristhal, lamented how wild animals, once a sight in sanctuaries like Cotigao, now venture into Canacona, causing havoc in orchards.
Former Canacona chairperson Suchana Gaonkar praised MLA Deviya Rane for addressing the issue of wildlife causing losses to farmers in the recent Assembly session.
