I Ordered the Leopard’s End With a Heavy Heart

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Subhash K Malkhede advocates for cohabitation as a solution to mitigate human-animal conflict

In yet another sombre human-animal conflict episode, a leopard ventured into the city limits, only to meet a tragic fate. Believed to be from Bannerghatta National Park, authorities, grappling with the situation, “reluctantly” chose to shoot down the wild animal, deeming it an action “in the greater interest of public good”. As the sole authority to issue such orders rests with the Chief Wildlife Warden, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Subhash K Malkhede swiftly found himself at the centre of a storm, facing a barrage of opinions. The incident sparked a mix of reactions among Bangaloreans – some applauding the decision to eliminate the perceived threat, while others vehemently condemning it, branding the act as “a crime against wildlife”. Stuck in this whirlwind of views and counter allegations pouring in from all corners, Malkhede remains resolute in his decision. Addressing the controversy, the PCCF explained that the crucial choice weighed heavily on his conscience, requiring him to “keep a stone on my heart”. Our Bangalore caught up with the Chief Wildlife Warden to get to the root of his “heart-wrenching” decision and unravel the circumstances that led Malkhede to authorise the unfortunate killing of the leopard. Read on for an in-depth understanding of the complexities at play and the quest for a viable resolution.

THE DIRECTIVE WAS TO SHOOT AND WOUND THE LEOPARD FOR SUBSEQUENT MEDICAL TREATMENT. UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO ITS ADVANCED AGE, THE LEOPARD COULDN’T SURVIVE THE ORDEAL

Malkhede: I am aware of the voices – both for and against – erupting after the episode. Rather than just viewing it as a killing of a leopard; we must understand the severity of the situation and see it in that light. I, along with the Karnataka Forest Department, firmly advocate against any atrocity towards wildlife. In fact, our commitment is to conserve and protect it. It is disheartening for us when circumstances leave us with no alternative but to eliminate an animal in the broader interest of public safety.

Malkhede: Upon reaching the location where the leopard was hiding, our team attempted to tranquilise it. However, even with protective measures, the veterinarian sustained injuries during the process. We also tried using nets for capture. Faced with a sizable crowd, the leopard, sensing the imminent threat, was actively trying to evade capture. Given the densely populated area, had the leopard managed to escape during our operation, it would have likely resulted in several casualties and close to a dozen injuries due to the uncontrollable crowd. Therefore, prioritising public safety, I had to make the difficult decision. The directive was to shoot and wound the leopard for subsequent medical treatment. Unfortunately, due to its advanced age, the leopard.

Malkhede: The police were present, but controlling the frenzied mob proved challenging. This is a significant issue encountered in all wildlife rescue operations. Since leopards are inherently fearful of humans, one can imagine the added stress when surrounded by a crowd. In this particular instance, considering the leopard’s advanced age and inability to hunt, young children could easily have become vulnerable targets.

Malkhede: When a wild animal enters the city, it encounters a landscape of buildings, including under-construction and abandoned structures surrounded by ample vegetation, similar to the one near Kudlu Gate. The deserted building became a refuge for the leopard, located dangerously close to a nearby apartment. The leopard, spotted near the lift, was not there to attack people, but in search of prey. Finding nothing, it moved to a nearby area where it had taken residence. A post-mortem examination confirmed the leopard’s old age, indicating its inability to hunt.

Malkhede: The major conflict animal in Karnataka are the Asian elephants, followed by leopards, sloth bears and tigers. During the 50s and 60s there was a directive to give forest land for the purpose of building dams, canal systems, hydro-electric power and roads, which was a necessity then. Such developments also fragment the habitats.

Malkhede: There are many leopards outside the forest (in and around Bangalore). Stray dogs and poultry are easy to hunt for them than a spotted deer. That’s how they are spot[1]ted on NICE Road, Whitefield or Devanahalli.

Malkhede: Our department have taken adequate conservation measures leading to good increase in the population of all wild animals. However, the parallel increase in the human population, accompanied by expanding human habitations, has led to heightened instances of man-animal conflict.

Malkhede: Yes, cohabitation. Only with co-habitation between humans and the wild we can mitigate HAC. Especially leopards, as today they also inhabit areas outside the forest. Wild animals don’t approach humans with the intention to harm; often, it is our intrusion and the resulting commotion that provoke defensive reactions from the animal.

Malkhede: Yes, cohabitation. Only with co-habitation between humans and the wild we can mitigate HAC. Especially leopards, as today they also inhabit areas outside the forest. Wild animals don’t approach humans with the intention to harm; often, it is our intrusion and the resulting commotion that provoke defensive reactions from the animal.