Maharashtra plans leopard sterilization after deadly attacks
After 14 farmers were killed by leopards in Junnar, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, and Pune, Maharashtra has approved a plan for the Junnar division to control the leopard population using scientific sterilization.
According to the Maharashtra government's proposal, male leopards will get vasectomies and females will undergo tubectomy to help reduce future conflicts.
Why does it matter?
Leopard encounters have become a big worry for locals as urbanization squeezes animal habitats.
The state is rolling out quick fixes like hundreds of cages to safely trap and relocate leopards, plus an AI-powered alert system to warn villagers if a leopard is nearby.
If the central government gives the green light, Maharashtra could be the first in India to try large-scale birth control for wild cats—though experts say making it work long-term won't be easy.