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The bustling tech hub of Electronic City in Bengaluru was thrown into a state of heightened alert after a leopard was spotted crossing a flyover near a toll plaza at 3 AM on Tuesday. The sighting, captured on CCTV cameras at the Phase 1 toll plaza, sent ripples of concern through the area, prompting officials to issue warnings and implement precautionary measures.
The leopard, observed moving from the Panak India Company area towards the Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF) ground, triggered a series of actions. NTTF officials, upon confirmation of the sighting, conducted thorough inspections of the campus to ensure the safety of students and staff. Forest department officials were also called in to verify the sighting, but reported no leopard presence on the campus at the time of their investigation.
This incident underscores the growing concerns about wildlife encroaching upon urban areas, especially in cities like Bengaluru, which are rapidly expanding. While the forest department and local police have advised the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any further sightings, the incident highlights the need for proactive measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. This could include collaborative efforts between wildlife conservationists, urban planners, and local authorities to manage human-wildlife conflict and create safer environments for both humans and wildlife.
The recent sighting in Electronic City follows a series of similar incidents in Bengaluru. Just days before, a leopard was observed in the city's Jigani area, leading officials to speculate that it might be the same individual. Months prior, a leopard was spotted near a house in the Chikka Togur region, and was eventually captured after a trap was set. In November 2022, forest department officials attempted to tranquilize and trap a leopard in the city's outskirts at Kudlu Gate near Electronic City, but were unsuccessful and ultimately had to shoot the animal.
The repeated sightings of leopards in the city's periphery raise serious concerns about the dwindling habitat of these animals and the potential for increased encounters with humans. The encroachment of urban areas into forested areas is a significant factor contributing to these incidents. It is imperative that authorities prioritize ecological conservation and sustainable urban development practices to mitigate the risk of future conflicts between humans and wildlife in Bengaluru and other rapidly urbanizing cities.
Source: Leopard spotted crossing flyover in Bengaluru's Electronic City; Tech hub on high alert