(a) whether the Government are aware that three new born leopards were found in a village near Bhopal;
(b) if so, the details thereof, and the action taken for their rehabilitation;
(c) the number of such cases where wild animals have been captured in habitat areas during the year 2002; and
(d) the steps taken to ensure that wild animals are prevented from crossing over to villages and cities?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI DILIP SINGH JU DEV)
(a)&(b) Three new born cubs of tiger, and not leopard, were found in village Gautampur Colony on 29-1-03 near Bhopal. These cubs, since only about three months old and cannot survive in wild on their own, are being maintained in captivity at Van Vihar National Park at Bhopal.
(c) Some cases from Maharashtra and Uttaranchal states have come to the notice where wild animals have strayed out of their natural habitat into the human habitation area and were to be captured.
(d) The steps taken to prevent wild animals from crossing over to villages and cities include:
1. Habitat improvement works undertaken in national parks and sanctuaries.
2. Erection of physical barriers like stone wall/chain link fence/RCC wall in some sensitive areas.
3. Vigorous patrolling by mobile squad during identified seasons.