‘Every year, we loose our livestock leopards, other wild animals’
Imran Shah
Kishtwar,TDD,Gulabgarh-Paddar area of Jammu’s Kishtwar district, a serene yet rugged region known for its picturesque beauty, has been gripped by fear as leopards wreak havoc on local livestock.
These predators have become a persistent menace, preying on cattle and livestock owned by villagers and nomadic Gujjar communities living in the surrounding areas, including the remote Dhokas.
Residents of the region are now urging the wildlife department to take immediate and effective measures to mitigate the frequent leopard attacks. The loss of livestock, which is a primary source of livelihood for these families, has left them in despair.
Amar Singh, a local resident, shared his plight, saying, “Every year, we lose a significant number of cattle to leopards. It’s not just about the financial loss; these animals are like family to us. The wildlife department must step in and address this growing threat before it becomes unbearable.”
The situation is particularly dire for the Gujjar communities, who migrate to the upper reaches of the mountains during the summer months. One of their elders, Bashir Ahmad, recounted, “We are accustomed to the hardships of living in the wild, but this is different. Leopards have started attacking even during the daytime. We feel helpless and unsafe.”
In addition to the economic toll, these attacks have caused sleepless nights for the villagers. Women and children are particularly affected, as they fear venturing out during early mornings and evenings. “We can no longer fetch water or graze our animals freely. The leopards have turned our lives upside down,” lamented Shanti Devi, another resident.
The residents have suggested several measures, including setting up leopard-proof enclosures for livestock, increasing patrolling by wildlife officials, and, if necessary, relocating the animals to safer habitats. They have also called for compensation for families who lose livestock to such attacks.
Wildlife experts believe the increasing leopard incursions are linked to habitat destruction and food scarcity in the forests. Conservationist Ravi Kumar remarked, “While it’s important to safeguard human life and property, we must also address the root cause of these conflicts. Protecting natural habitats and ensuring prey availability for leopards can reduce such incidents.”
For now, the people of Gulabgarh-Paddar await action. Their plea to the wildlife department echoes through the valleys, as they struggle to coexist with nature’s most enigmatic yet deadly predators.(TDD)
