Hyderabad, May 3 (TNT): The Telangana Forest Development Corporation Ltd (TFDCL). organised an awareness programme on the occasion of International Leopard Day at the Botanical Garden, Kondapur here on Sunday, under the theme “Save a Spot for Them,” aiming to educate walkers, visitors and children on leopard conservation and human–wildlife coexistence.
The Botanical Garden was turned into a “Nature’s Classroom,” where Head Naturalist M. Akhil and co-naturalists conducted an interactive session on the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca).
The session highlighted that leopards, despite losing nearly 75 per cent of their historical range and being classified as vulnerable, continue to survive near human settlements due to their adaptability, stealth and opportunistic behaviour.
Participants were also informed about the animal’s unique traits, including its strength, agility and distinctive rosette patterns.
The programme underscored the ecological importance of leopards as apex predators, umbrella species and keystone species that play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.
It was explained that leopards regulate prey populations and support biodiversity, while human–leopard conflicts largely arise from habitat loss and unmanaged waste.
Simple measures such as protecting green corridors and maintaining clean surroundings were suggested to minimise conflict and promote coexistence.
Addressing the gathering, L. Ranjeet Nayak, IFS, Executive Director (Eco-Tourism), said leopards symbolise resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.
He emphasised that conservation begins with awareness and that protecting leopards ultimately safeguards forests, ecosystems and future generations.
Through interactive discussions and real-life examples, the naturalist team engaged participants, encouraging greater understanding and respect for wildlife.
The programme concluded with enthusiastic participation from walkers, visitors and children, who pledged to support wildlife conservation.
Reinforcing the message of the day, organisers stated that coexistence is not about leopards changing their spots, but about humans changing their attitudes.
Officials including K. Shireesha, Senior Divisional Manager and Assistant Director (Eco-Tourism), N. Rajendra Kumar and V. Laxma Reddy, Plantation Managers, S. Srinivas, Forest Range Officer, K. Srinivasu Reddy, Deputy Range Officer, M. Akhil, Head Naturalist, K. Suman, Projects Manager (Eco-Tourism), along with naturalists Samson Raju, Dinesh and Rohith, participated in the programme along with FDC staff, walkers and children.
TNT TS
Leave a Reply