In the latest incident, villagers say a pair of leopards was attacking their cattle. The male was shot dead, while the female escaped. The existing threat from leopards to the villagers is something that has to be considered. Humans have been killed by them in various mountain areas. But this suggests that the conservation strategy needs to be reconsidered and adjusted. Experts say a key reason for the leopards moving into villages is the loss of their habitats as a result of large-scale deforestation and with this, also the loss of their natural prey. Deforestation is visible everywhere in AJK where huge tracts of land have been denuded, in many cases, as a result of the efforts by timber mafias. The conservation problem has to be looked at with a wider perspective; ways have to be found to allow humans and wildlife to live harmoniously in proximity with each other — especially as human populations expand. To achieve this, we need to reforest land and restore the destroyed natural order of things. At the same time, there is a need to build respect for wildlife among people and educate them about the need to protect species such as the leopard, which is in danger of vanishing from our land. So far, efforts have failed completely in AJK, where leopards continue to be killed at periodic intervals by villagers and people alike who have come to perceive them as enemies rather than as creatures in need of protection and help.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 29th, 2012.
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We need to be clear here that the story relates to the common leopard. This is unfortunate the Express Tribune reporters are continuously confusing between the snow leopard and common leopard. These two distinct species do not merely differ in pelage, they also have distinct distribution ranges. The area you are referring to only has common leopards. The conflicts of this species with human are quite high, growing over the years, and leopards are being frequently shot both in AJK and Galliat in KPK. Apparently people involved in skin trade are taking benefit of the situation as many shot leopards are actually not problematic animals. The AJK wildlife department is very active and keen to resolve this issue, however problem seems to be much bigger than their capacity. Therefore they have called upon couple of consultative meetings and requested other stakeholders and Govt sectors to support them in controlling this issue. I suggest instead of criticizing the concerned department we should offer support in our capacities. Media can play an important by raising awareness about leopard ecology and safe ways to live with leopards. Media can also help by exposing skin traders who are actually taking benefit of the situation.