Want to catch a leopard? Don't use mosquito net

Updated on: 09 February,2009 08:26 AM IST |
Chetan R |

Volunteers of the BBMP wildlife cell tried to capture a wild leopard in Bharatnagar last Thursday with a mosquito net, but failed

Volunteers of the BBMP wildlife cell tried to capture a wild leopard in Bharatnagar last Thursday with a mosquito net, but failed.

The wild animal is still on the loose and has attacked four people so far.

"The volunteers spotted the leopard on Thursday night," said Sathish, who witnessed the failed attempt.

"But they were helpless. They couldn't trap it or chase it into the forest since because they had only a mosquito net to handle the animal," he said.

The BBMP wildlife cell is responsible for rescuing wildlife found in and around the city.

However, one of the volunteers said, "We couldn't do anything since we are not provided with basic infrastructure required to trap or rescue an animal."

Ill-equipped

The cell members, who so far have rescued over 180 animals including crocodiles and leopards work without tranquilizers, nets, cages, a transporting vehicle or vet, which areu00a0 basic requirements to trace, trap and relocate a wild animal.

In fact, files on getting basic equipment have gathering dust since 2004.

"They are not moving the files," added the volunteer. "The condition of the cell ius pathetic," he added.

However, BBMP officials have denied that the infrastructure is poor.

"The cell is provided with enough infrastructure," said Dr Subramanya, BBMP commissioner. "I'm more concerned about getting the sparrows back to the city rather than the leopard issue," he said.