MP govt asks Mandaur DFO to explain death of 3 leopards after translocation

Mar 26, 2025 10:15 PM Principal chief conservator of forest (APCCF) wildlife L Krishnamoorty has asked DFO Sanjay Raykhere to respond within seven days BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh forest department has asked the Mandsaur divisional forest officer (DFO) to give his explanation on the death of three leopards after they were translocated from the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife (GSW) Sanctuary. The Madhya Pradesh forest department earlier said they wanted to improve the prey base for cheetahs shifting leopards . (FILE/REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE) Principal chief conservator of forest (APCCF) wildlife L Krishnamoorty has asked DFO Sanjay Raykhere to respond within seven days. The notice was issued after a Chhattisgarh-based environment activ Nitin Singhvi wrote to the Union minry of environment and forest and MP forest department, demanding that the shifting of leopards be shifted HT reported on March 18 that three of the 17 leopards that shifted from Gandhi Sagar had died — one at GSW east zone and two at Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary in Dewas. Seven more leopards are scheduled to be translocated over the next few months. DFO Mandsaur Sanjay Raykhere had earlier said that shifting out the leopards would help improve the prey base in GSW for the cheetahs. In his letter, Singhvi alleged that Madhya Pradesh was compromising the welfare of leopards, which had resulted in the death of three leopards. “Although the leopards have been translocated from enclosure to make room for cheetahs in Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary, it is essential to consider the guidelines provided the Minry and the behavior of the leopards. The Guidelines for Human-Leopard Conflict Management (2011) issued the Minry explicitly state that leopards exhibit strong homing instincts; therefore, when necessary, they should be released within their immediate vicinity, i.e., within the animal’s home range. Furthermore, the guidelines specify that captured leopards should be released within 10 km of the capture site.” He also pointed out that the original project proposal for importing cheetahs never suggested that native cats would be displaced or harmed in the process. “It is our responsibility to ensure that conservation efforts prioritise the well-being and safety of all species involved. In light of this and the above submission, and also recognizing that every species is iconic and important, the undersigned respectfully requests that the surviving translocated leopards be returned to their native habitat and that further, leopard translocations be halted,” Singhvi said in the letter. News / Cities / Bhopal / MP govt asks Mandaur DFO to explain death of 3 leopards after translocation See Less