Maharashtra forest department and NGO scale up leopard protection efforts
In a significant step towards wildlife conservation, Wildlife SOS, in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department, has expanded its Open Wells Conservation Project in the Junnar region. As per the officials, the NGO has secured a total of 31 open wells to prevent accidental falls of leopards and other wild animals. Over the past year, 11 wells were newly covered, adding to ongoing efforts to mitigate risks in areas with high wildlife movement. While the initiative is now being scaled across high-risk zones under the Junnar Forest Division, it also includes villages like Otur, Pimpari Pendhar, and Pimpalvandi, where human-leopard interactions are frequent. Along with executing wildlife preventive measures, Wildlife SOS continues to respond swiftly to emergencies. Over the past year, six wild animals were safely rescued from wells, reflecting the team’s constant vigilance and on-ground presence, even as efforts remain focused on reducing such incidents altogether. Strong support from the local communities To strengthen awareness, field teams from Wildlife SOS engage directly with well owners and residents to identify high-risk sites and implement practical, …








