Mumbai: Maharashtra is set to introduce leopard safaris across all its districts as the state’s big cat population has surged dramatically in recent years. Forest Minister Ganesh Naik made the announcement following a public grievance redressal meeting, highlighting the government’s proactive steps for wildlife management and tourism promotion.
The minister revealed that leopard numbers in Maharashtra have risen nearly fourfold over the past seven to eight years. The highest concentrations are reported in parts of Pune district, especially Junnar, Ambegaon, and Shirur, along with the Ahilyanagar region. According to the forest department, around 250 leopards have been captured and relocated to protective enclosures to ensure their safety.
District-wise plans are underway to roll out these leopard safaris in multiple regions, including Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nashik, Sangli, Satara, and Kolhapur. Areas in Marathwada and Khandesh will also be covered. In Vidarbha, the focus will shift to developing separate tiger safaris.
Naik noted increased leopard sightings in Nashik as well, prompting forest officials to enhance monitoring and response mechanisms. He also expressed concerns over organised poaching gangs that injure or target wild animals, some with links extending beyond the state and even internationally. Authorities, including the police and forest department, are cracking down strictly on such groups.
The initiative aims to balance growing wildlife numbers with sustainable tourism while prioritising animal safety and habitat management.
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