Wildlife populations are steadily expanding within the Ranipur Tiger Reserve located in Chitrakoot. In the latest development, two male leopards rescued from the Moradabad forest division have been safely released into the rugged forested terrain along the Dharkundi road in the Kalyanpur beat of the reserve. Both animals were initially captured from separate locations within the Moradabad forest division before being transported under strict official supervision to their new natural habitat.
Details of the Rescued Leopards from Moradabad
According to forest department records, the first male leopard was rescued from the Thakurdwara range area of the Moradabad forest division. This animal was successfully caged on August 17. Following medical examinations, its age was estimated to be around 3 years. Once confirmed to be in good health, officials decided to release it back into the wild.
The second male leopard was rescued on August 22 from the village of Sarkanda Param area within the same Moradabad forest division. Department records state that this second leopard is approximately 8 years old. Following the rescue, it was kept secure in a cage, and both animals were eventually brought to the Ranipur Tiger Reserve under continuous monitoring.
A Favorable Habitat for the Wildlife
Both leopards were released into the dense and secluded terrain of the Dharkundi road within the Kalyanpur beat of the Ranipur Tiger Reserve under the Manikpur first range. Forest officials consider this remote jungle area to be highly conducive and favorable for the natural habitat of leopards. As soon as the cage doors were opened, both animals moved swiftly into the wilderness.
Officials Present During the Release Operation
Several frontline and senior forest officials were present during the successful release operation. The team included Manikpur first range forest officer Sushil Kumar Srivastava, Markundi first range forest officer Manoj Kumar Yadav, forest sub-inspector Uday Kumar, along with forest guards Jeet and Mithilesh, who oversaw the safe transition.
Total Leopard Count Rises in the Reserve
Over the past few years, the Ranipur Tiger Reserve has witnessed a consistent rise in its leopard population. Department data indicates that the reserve previously housed a community of about 90 leopards. With the addition of these two newly released male leopards, the total population in the sanctuary has now climbed to approximately 92.
