Leopard Possibly Hiding Near Pune Airport, Camera Traps Installed After Joint Inspection
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Lohgaon, 24th November 2025: A joint field inspection was carried out in the Pune Airport area this morning after a leopard was recently spotted in the vicinity.
The team included Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Mangesh Tate, Indian Air Force Wing Commander Y. S. Singh, Range Forest Officer Suresh Varak, Round Officer Sheetal Khendke, Pramod Raskar, and representatives from ResQ Foundation — Kiran Rahalkar and Ninad.
During the visit, the team inspected the location where the leopard was last seen. Three camera traps have been installed at the site, but since the animal’s last sighting on the morning of 19th November, no activity has been recorded.
Officials also conducted a thorough inspection of tunnels in the area. The Indian Air Force has fully sealed these tunnels to ensure the leopard cannot take shelter inside. However, authorities believe there is still a high likelihood that the animal may be hiding nearby in the surrounding vegetation.
Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Mahadev Mohite stated that if the leopard is sighted again — either directly or via camera trap footage — authorities will decide on placing a trap cage and employing suitable measures for its safe capture.
