Leopard sighting near Chudi village prompts advisory from Forest Dept

April 7, 2025 5 Views No Comment

Dimapur, April 7 (MExN): The Nagaland Forest Department has issued a public advisory following the recorded movement of a leopard near Chudi village, Wokha.

While the Department noted that such movement is not entirely unusual, it has called for increased vigilance and issued the advisory.

According to a press release from the department, the first report of the sighting of the “big cat” was received on March 26 and subsequently camera traps were installed the next day at all likely entry and exit points.

“A movement of leopard was recorded/captured by a camera trap, possibly attracted by the livestock in the village area,” the release stated.

A photo provided by the Department had time stamp of 12:56AM on March 29.

In light of this, the advisory urged the public not to venture into nearby forests or secluded areas alone, particularly after sunset.
“If movement is unavoidable, it should be undertaken in groups and with adequately bright torches,” it added.

The public has also been advised to keep their livestock secure in strong enclosures at night and to immediately report any unusual disappearance to the Department.

The advisory further highlighted the need to keep surroundings free of garbage, which tends to attract feral dogs and other animals, thereby drawing in wild predators.

The focus should be on better garbage disposal and sanitation as well as keeping immediate surrounding areas, clear of thick grasses and bushes, it stressed.

Residential areas should also be well-lit at night, it added.

Meanwhile, the public has been cautioned against paying heed to rumours or spreading misinformation, particularly on social media.

In case of sighting the wild animal, avoid approaching or provoking it, and report immediately to wildlife authorities, the advisory stated.

The wildlife authorities listed for contact are H Tokaho Kinimi, IFS, Wildlife Warden, Wildlife Division, Dimapur – +91 8731821345 and Hukai H Zhimo, Officer-in-Charge, WLCCU, Wildlife Division, Dimapur – +91 8787890194.

The Department has assured that it is aware of the situation and is taking all necessary measures and sought cooperation and support of the general public and all concerned to address the matter appropriately.

The Dimapur Wildlife Division has jurisdiction over Wokha as well as five other districts, as per the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Nagaland’s website.