Was the Elusive Leopard Finally Captured Near Hyderabad?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The leopard was successfully trapped in Manchirevula Eco Trek Park.
- Residents were on high alert due to multiple sightings.
- The Forest Department took swift action to ensure safety.
- This raises awareness about wildlife interactions with urban areas.
- Relocation to Nehru Zoological Park is now planned for the leopard.
Hyderabad, July 31 (NationPress) A leopard that had caused considerable anxiety on the outskirts of Hyderabad has been successfully trapped as of Thursday.
The elusive feline was confined within a cage at Manchirevula Eco Trek Park in the Rangareddy district of Hyderabad's periphery. The Forest Department plans to relocate the animal to Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad.
Previously, the leopard was last spotted in the Ibrahim Bagh Military Area near Golconda Fort on Monday, which led to widespread concern among local residents, prompting the Forest Department to deploy eight trapping cameras and four cages. Authorities advised those living nearby to remain vigilant.
This particular leopard was also reported in Manchirevula village within the expansive grounds of Greyhounds on July 21. Police personnel who encountered the big cat promptly notified the Forest Department.
Moreover, there were earlier sightings of the leopard in Narsingi, which heightened the residents' fears.
The Forest officials had placed cameras and cages in various locations within the Greyhounds campus, but the elusive leopard managed to escape the traps and ventured into neighboring areas.
Throughout July, at least four reported sightings of leopards have occurred on the city outskirts.
Earlier this month, two leopard sightings were recorded within the Research Centre Imarat of the Defence Research and Development Organisation located in Raviryal. While the Forest officials took prompt action to validate these sightings, they found no physical evidence, and the camera traps failed to capture any images.
Subsequently, another leopard was seen in Chilukur, near the Himayatsagar reservoir. Forest officials confirmed the presence of the big cat, which is believed to have moved from the Greyhounds campus to the Ibrahim Bagh area.
Last May, the Forest Department successfully captured a leopard spotted within the grounds of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad, located on the outskirts of the city.