Pune Emerges as Leopard Fatality Hotspot; 198 Deaths Linked to Road Accidents in District

RTI data reveals alarming rise in leopard deaths across Maharashtra, with Pune recording the highest fatalities. Road accidents, habitat loss and growing human-wildlife conflict are emerging as major concerns.

Pune | March 16, 2026: Pune district has emerged as one of the most vulnerable regions for leopards in Maharashtra, with official data revealing a sharp rise in wildlife fatalities over the past few years. According to information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, a total of 675 leopard deaths have been recorded across the state in the last five years, with the highest number reported in the Pune forest division.

Out of the total fatalities, 181 leopard deaths were recorded in the Pune division alone, surpassing even neighbouring Nashik district, which reported 161 deaths during the same period. Wildlife experts say the figures highlight a growing conservation concern and underline the increasing pressure on wildlife habitats around rapidly expanding urban areas.

Among the major causes of these deaths, road accidents have emerged as the most significant factor. Data indicates that at least 198 leopards in the Pune region have been killed in road accidents so far, largely due to highways cutting through forested areas and vehicles travelling at high speeds. These roads often pass through wildlife corridors, increasing the risk of collisions with animals attempting to cross.

Apart from road accidents, open wells in agricultural fields and exposed electric wires have also been identified as serious threats to leopards and other wildlife in rural areas. Forest officials say many animals accidentally fall into uncovered wells or suffer fatal electrocution while moving through farmland.

The growing human-wildlife conflict in the region has also become a matter of concern for authorities. Experts attribute the increasing encounters between leopards and humans to rapid urbanisation around Pune and the fragmentation of forest habitats. As natural habitats shrink, leopards are often forced to venture into villages and agricultural areas in search of food and water.

The situation is particularly serious in the Junnar region of Pune district, which has witnessed several incidents involving leopards. By the end of 2025, at least five people had reportedly lost their lives in leopard attacks in the area, highlighting the complex challenge of balancing wildlife conservation with human safety.

In response to rising conflict, the forest department has been actively capturing and relocating leopards that stray into human settlements. So far, around 68 leopards have been captured during rescue operations. However, due to limited space at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre in Junnar, authorities were compelled to transfer 50 rescued leopards to the Vantara wildlife project in Gujarat.

Forest officials say the situation demands stronger conservation and mitigation measures. Apart from protecting forest habitats, experts believe steps such as covering open wells in rural areas, installing wildlife crossings on highways and enforcing speed limits in forest zones could significantly reduce animal fatalities.

Environmentalists have also urged authorities to strengthen awareness campaigns in villages located near forest areas so that residents can adopt safer practices and minimise conflict with wildlife.

With Pune recording the highest number of leopard deaths in the state, conservationists warn that urgent intervention is required to protect the species and preserve ecological balance in the region. Authorities are now examining additional measures to address the rising mortality figures and improve long-term wildlife management strategies.

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