Leopards are coming back to Punjab

Ropar, Apr 15 (UNI) Leopards are once again coming back to the 'kandi' area of the lower Shivalik hills of Punjab, bordering Himachal Pradesh.

The cats had migrated from their habitat in the 'kandi' area to the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh decades ago in search of food and safe shelter. They were virtually forced out of Punjab many years ago following encroachment of their habibtats by humans.

Punjab Wildlife officals have over the last one and a half year sighted the cats at different locations in the lower Shivaliks. Pug marks of the leopards have also been noticed by officials and those residing in the 'kandi' belt.

Encouraged by the sightings, the government is adopting measures to ensure that the wild cats get a safe home to live in the 'kandi' belt. The forests around Nangal township have been given the status of a wildlife sanctuary, where the movement of leopards will be watched and steps would be taken to safeguard the wild cat from poachers.

According to wildlife officials, the sanctuary would cover an area of 672.34 acre in about 10 villages. A good number of trees, shrubs and other plants grown by the wildlife department is expected to ensure a safe and natural habitat for leopards.

District forest officials said that the wild cats had either been sighted or their pugmarks were seen near Talwara, Garhbagha and Mirzapur villages. A rough census of the wildcats in Punjab is likely to be done soon.

The pug marks sighted have been those of adult leopards, and those of cubs. Residents of a number of villages in the 'kandi' belt have reported sighting leopards in the past year and a half.

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