shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai News > Article > Mumbai How the Aarey Colony leopard gave clues for its capture

Mumbai: How the Aarey Colony leopard gave clues for its capture

Updated on: 15 September,2017 10:27 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Ranjeet Jadhav | ranjeet.jadhav@mid-day.com

The forest department could have ended up spending far more than 40 days tracking the notorious leopard had it not been for a chance encounter with the very big cat just two days earlier

Mumbai: How the Aarey Colony leopard gave clues for its capture

The forest officials transported the leopard to the rescue centre at SGNP at 3.30 am. Pic/Kunal Chaudhuri
The forest officials transported the leopard to the rescue centre at SGNP at 3.30 am. Pic/Kunal Chaudhuri


The forest department could have ended up spending far more than 40 days tracking the notorious leopard had it not been for a chance encounter with the very big cat just two days earlier.


Also read - Mumbai: Aarey's 3-year-old problem child finally lands in trap


Officials and volunteers had seen that despite placing camera traps all over Film City, the suspected leopard was never clicked near the cages set up. This made them suspect that it was avoiding those paths. Their breakthrough came on September 12, when Mayur Kamath, honorary wildlife warden of the city, and Imran Udat, a volunteer, were driving through Film City around 5.15 am.

Also read - Watch Video: Leopard hunts in broad streetlight outside Mumbai housing society

A huge leopard crossed their path. The two parked the car slightly ahead and waited for 10 minutes till they saw the same leopard once again, boldly walking down the road. “We had a close encounter with the suspected leopard two days ago. Leopards are among the most elusive and shy animals, but this one was the opposite. This encounter gave me an insight into his behaviour and how we could catch him,” said Kamath.

Also read - Mumbai: Leopard keeps an eye on residents in Borivli East

“While the leopard was walking ahead, we noticed that it was marking its territory by spraying urine on tree trunks and was also seen making scrape marks on the ground and trees. This gave us the impression that this was his territory, and we decided to set the trap cage at the same location,” added Kamath.

Also read - Mumbai: Leopard sighting in Aarey colony causes scare

The duo took pictures of the left flank of the leopard for identification.

Also read: Leopard disrupts Shah Rukh Khan's shooting in Mumbai

40
Number of days they had been tracking the problem leopard


You may also like - Mumbai: 12 gruesome accidents that highlight civic apathy
Mumbai: 12 gruesome accidents that highlight civic apathy

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK