Pune: AI-Based Alert System Installed in Shirur to Reduce Human-Leopard Conflict
Shirur, 1st October 2025: In a first-of-its-kind initiative to address rising incidents of human-leopard conflict, the Shirur Forest Department has installed AI-powered alert systems at 12 sensitive locations across Shirur taluka, an area known for frequent leopard activity.
The system uses artificial intelligence to detect the unique body patterns of leopards as they cross monitored paths. Once identified, it triggers a loud siren to alert nearby residents, enabling them to take safety precautions and avoid sudden encounters.
The 12 high-risk sites where the devices have been installed include:
Pimpalacha Mala (Mandavgan Pharata)
Pharatewadi (Mandavgan Pharata)
Shivnagar (Inamgaon)
Firangi Mala (Pimpalsuti)
Ghayatadak Vasti (Karde)
Annapur
Sangamwadi (Mhase Budruk)
Ahmadabad
Nimone
Nimgaon Dhude
Jambut
Pimparkhed
Forest officials believe the alert system will serve as an effective early warning mechanism, reducing surprise interactions and mitigating conflict in both rural and semi-urban areas of Shirur taluka.
The initiative has been spearheaded by Nilkanth Gavhane, Forest Range Officer, Shirur, and his team, under the guidance of Prashant Khade, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Junnar, and Smita Rajhans, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Junnar.
Authorities confirmed that if the pilot project proves effective, the system could be scaled up to other leopard-prone regions across Pune district.
