English
English
English
Are IndiGo flight cancellations and quieter airport nights giving forest officials a better chance to trap the elusive leopard roaming Pune airport?
Leopard was captured twice on trap cameras in past 3 days.
Pune: A leopard that has been intermittently spotted at Pune airport throughout the year has resurfaced once again over the weekend, coinciding with a significant slowdown in flight operations due to the ongoing IndiGo crisis. The reduced airside activity and quieter nights appear to have created favorable conditions for forest officials to attempt a successful capture of the elusive big cat.
The animal has been captured on trap cameras twice in the past three days, signaling its reappearance after a brief period of absence. According to forest authorities, this leopard has been sneaking in and out of airport premises since April, often using stormwater drains to move undetected. The sporadic nature of its visits has made previous capture attempts extremely challenging.
Deputy Conservator of Forests Mahadev Mohite said that the current round of sightings presents the best chance yet to trap the leopard. The footage shows the animal moving more confidently than before, possibly due to the decreased activity at the airport caused by flight cancellations. This newfound comfort could increase the likelihood of capturing the leopard using existing equipment.
Officials have been closely monitoring the area with 15 trap cameras placed strategically across the airside and along the airport boundary. In addition, three tunnel-style cage traps have been set up, with plans to expand both the number of cameras and traps in the coming days. Earlier attempts at capture had failed because the leopard was described as "extremely smart," avoiding cages even when lured with bait.
A leopard was recently spotted near residential neighborhoods in Junnar, Pune. A video circulating on social media shows a young man filming the animal from inside his car.
In the clip, the man remarks that the leopard visits the same location daily. “This leopard is going to come to my house now, watch,” he says as he drives toward his home. Shortly afterward, the leopard is seen moving in the direction of the house.
View this post on Instagram
The ongoing IndiGo crisis, which has resulted in multiple flight cancellations over the past four days, has inadvertently created a unique environment for forest officials. Since IndiGo handles a major portion of Pune airport’s traffic, the temporary reduction in flights has made the airside unusually calm, allowing the leopard to move around with less caution.
Viral: Young man loses 85 Kg after mother’s death, What drove his extraordinary transformation?
The quieter nights and decreased ground activity are helping authorities observe the animal’s behavior more closely. The forest team has also discussed the possibility of using tranquiliser guns if the leopard appears to settle in the area for an extended period. Officials, however, stress that the big cat does not pose an immediate danger, and ground staff have been advised to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols while working near runways and adjoining zones.
The leopard’s presence at Pune airport has been noted multiple times since April. After several sightings between April and mid-August, including two on April 28, the animal disappeared for a period before resurfacing in late November. Each appearance has been brief, making the capture process highly complex and requiring constant monitoring.
With current conditions seemingly in their favor, forest officials are hopeful that this could be the breakthrough moment in the ongoing effort to safely capture the leopard. Increasing the number of trap cameras and cage traps in the coming days will be critical in ensuring the operation’s success. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, prioritizing safety for both airport staff and the animal.
