Now, leopard pugmarks spotted in Rehmankheda | Lucknow News
Lucknow: Forest department launched a search operation on Monday after reports indicated that the elusive leopard was roaming in the forests of Rehmankheda in Kakori. On Sunday, the pugmarks were found near the carcass of a calf in Sahilamau. The forest department conducted extensive combing operations in Rehmankheda and the surrounding areas on Monday. The local community remains on high alert, with memories of past sightings still fresh in their minds. Gajraj, a farmer from the nearby village of Ularapur, recounted multiple instances of leopard sightings in the area. He said that leopards were frequently spotted in the forest during previous tiger rescue operations. The natural habitat of the leopard is located in the Bansighadi forest, approximately 15 km from Rehmankheda. It is believed that the leopard often ventures into Rehmankheda in search of prey. Divisional forest officer (DFO) Sitanshu Pandey said, “Our team conducted a thorough combing operation. We have strategically placed six trap cameras in Meethenagar, Mohammadnagar along the leopard’s potential routes.” Additionally, a dedicated team has been assigned for night patrols to enhance monitoring efforts. Also, the forest department is actively engaging with local residents to raise awareness and ensure their safety. The community is being educated on precautionary measures to avoid any potential encounters with the leopard, officials said. Officials said that the forest department remains committed to ensuring the safety of both the residents and the wildlife in the region. The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available, officials said. Earlier, this year, after unleashing terror for nearly three months from Dec 2024 to March 2025 in 12 villages of Rehmankheda area, a four-year-old male tiger was tranquillised and rescued by forest officials.
