The proximity of the Aravalli hills to human settlements has once again come into sharp focus after a leopard raid at a farmhouse last night. The incident has left residents of the Sohna-Raisina belt on high alert.
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The Midnight Attack: The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday at a farmhouse located near the foothills. According to the property’s guard, a loud commotion was heard from the cattle shed around 2:30 AM. Upon reaching the spot with torches, the staff saw a full-grown leopard lunging at a six-month-old calf. The leopard retreated into the dense bushes only after the staff raised an alarm and used sticks to make noise.
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Wildlife Response: A team of wildlife inspectors reached the farmhouse by 9:00 AM today. “The injuries on the calf’s neck and back are consistent with a leopard attack. We have also tracked pugmarks leading back toward the rocky terrain of the Aravallis,” said a department official.
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Safety Measures:
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Traps Deployed: Two large cages with live bait (a goat) have been placed at the entry and exit points of the farm.
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Surveillance: Camera traps have been installed to monitor the leopard’s movement and confirm if it is a lone predator or a mother with cubs.
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Night Patrolling: Local villagers and farmhouse owners have been advised to keep their premises well-lit and avoid solitary movement after sunset.
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Habitat Depletion: Experts suggest that the shrinking prey base and drying water holes in the hills often force big cats to venture into “green belts” and farmhouses in search of easy prey like dogs, goats, and calves.
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Public Advisory: The Wildlife Department has issued a “Stay Safe” notice for the Raisina and Bhondsi areas, requesting residents to secure their livestock in closed, reinforced sheds and to report any further sightings immediately to the forest helpline.
The Regional Trend: Sohna has seen a series of leopard sightings this year, particularly in villages like Tikli and Mandawar. While the department emphasizes “co-existence,” the recurring attacks on livestock have led to growing demands for permanent fencing along the forest borders.
