Forest Department Tracks Leopard in Ooty Using Thermal Drones

Quick Summary

• The Forest Department is monitoring a leopard frequently spotted in Udhagamandalam town using thermal drone cameras.
• Residents reported sightings near Tamizhagam Road, Gymkhana Club Road, and West Oda Area; some have demanded relocation of the animal.
• The department announced the use of thermal imaging drones on monday to track the leopard’s movements and prevent negative interactions with humans.
• Cameras have been set up near Government Botanical Garden (GBG) and nearby settlements following complaints about pet dogs being preyed upon by a suspected carnivore, likely the leopard.
• Conservationists recommended improving waste management systems to reduce stray dog populations,which could deter leopards from entering human-inhabited areas.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The frequent leopard sightings in Udhagamandalam highlight an increasingly delicate balance between wildlife conservation and human safety. the deployment of thermal drones signifies a proactive approach by the Forest Department to monitor potential threats without resorting promptly to capture or relocation. This method also aligns with non-invasive wildlife management practices aimed at minimizing stress on animals.

however, the reported predation of pet dogs suggests that leopards are drawn towards urban areas due to easy food sources like stray dogs-a broader issue tied to ineffective waste disposal and stray animal control. Conservationists’ call for better waste management is especially relevant as it addresses root causes rather than temporary fixes such as trapping individual animals. Proactive measures like these can not only mitigate human-wildlife conflicts but also preserve natural biodiversity around towns like Udhagamandalam.

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