Meet Mumbai’s leopard rescue heroes (who aren’t even insured!)

Virat A Singh

	Mail this page Print this page Translate this page	Rate me....
	Share Share Share Share

Posted On Friday, December 07, 2012 at 04:03:09 AM

Whenever a leopard slips out of its shrinking habitat at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and into the concrete jungle closing in on it, 10 unsung heroes are called to the scene. The Leopard Rescue Team of SGNP, formally constituted in late 2011, has gradually turned into one of the most prestigious of its kind in Maharashtra. But not only has the 10-man team received little recognition or reward, its members - who live inside SGNP -aren't even insured or paid extra for their fearless, selfless work. The team, which comprises a forest guard, animal keepers and forest labourers, has become so adept at rescuing leopards that it also trains staff from various forest ranges that want to establish rescue teams of their own. DJ Pawar, superintendent of the lion and tiger safari, who also heads the team, says, “The team has to deal with a ferocious and a clever big cat, which does not understand that we are trying to help it, so planning the rescue on the spot is one of the most crucial aspects of the job.” Pawar adds that the team is also supervised by wildlife vet Sanjiv Pinjarkar, who observes the leopard's health and prepares the correct dose in case the cat needs to be tranquilised. “Someone has to take the risk. Since we are forest staff it's our responsibility to protect the leopards, so we don’t think too much about the risk involved and simply get on with our job,” says Sanjay Pagare, a forest guard and a senior member of the team. "Our families understand that we have our own occupational hazards. My wife supports me even though I have responhave often had to rush out for a postmidnight rescue,” adds Pagare, whose son Mayur studies in Std IX and already dreams of joining the forest services. Mukesh More, animal keeper and member of the team, says, “As soon as we get a call, we gather at the animal hospital in our uniforms. We check and load all our equipment, and also use a forest van with a cage when we need one,” he adds. At the site, the team quickly assesses the situation and plans the rescue. “Rescue methods are different for jungle areas and urban areas. Animals that enter human habitats are usually very scared and can attack in self-defense,” says Pinjarkar. Namdeo Jirve, another member of the team, says, “We work with captive leopards, lions and tigers and understand their behaviour. This helps us judge how an animal will react, but one wrong move could end in disaster.” Sunil Limaye, CCF, SGNP, said, "We are proud to have such dedicated people. We are trying our best to provide them with all the facilities and equipment they need for their safety."  What to do if you spot a leopard • If the leopard is at a distance, do not panic. Mere sightings do not translate into danger. • If a leopard is sighted close by , give it the right of passage. Do not make any loud noises or aggressive gestures, which may cause it to panic and attack. Preventive measures Be alert, especially after dark (when leopards are most active). Do not move alone. Children must be under adult supervision if they are outdoors. You could also put on music so the leopard will know it is close to humans and walk away. Pressure civic authorities into ensuring better waste collection. Improper disposal of garbage attracts dogs and pigs, which leopards feed on. Numbers to call Police Control Room: 100, 022-22621855 Sanjay Gandhi National Park control room: 022- 28866449 Thane Forest division control room: 022-25445459