After yet another leopard sighting on the premises of Pune International Airport on November 19, the Forest Department has reiterated the need for preventive measures to the Airport Authority and the Indian Air Force (IAF). These include strengthening perimeter fencing, improving sanitation, controlling stray animals, and sealing potential entry points such as overhanging trees and water outlets.
According to Forest Department officials, the Airport Authority informed them that a leopard was sighted at 5.30 am and again at 7.40 pm on November 19 behind Bay Number 9 and near Taxi Link K4 inside the airport perimeter. Monitoring of the leopard had already been underway for the past 20 days within the jurisdiction of Lohegaon village. Trap cages had been installed earlier for its capture, along with camera traps placed at strategic points. After the November 19 sightings, the positions of the cages and cameras were recalibrated based on new inputs.
This is the second major leopard sighting at Pune airport this year. In April, a leopard was spotted on the premises, prompting a search operation and a meeting between Forest Department officials and IAF authorities, during which the latter were advised to exercise caution across operational and residential areas.
“After the latest sighting we have reiterated to the Airport and Air Force authorities various precautionary measures that need to be undertaken, maintained and monitored. It has been observed that leopards can jump up to 15 feet. We have asked the authorities to ensure that perimeter fencing or wall of that height has to be maintained across the entire area. We have also stressed on sanitation and keeping the premises clean of food waste and other types of garbage. This attracts stray animals like dogs and pigs, which attract leopards,” said a Forest Department officer.
“We have also asked authorities to remove overhanging trees near the perimeter which the leopard can use to enter the premises. Leopards can also enter the premises through the water outlets. Grills need to be installed on outlets. We have asked the authorities that while these measures have been taken at most places, the maintenance and monitoring of these measures has to be ensured,” the officer added.
Pune International Airport operates as a civil enclave within the Indian Air Force’s Lohegaon Air Base, sharing a single runway for both military and civilian aircraft. Airside operations are jointly coordinated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the IAF, with designated time slots and segregated operational spaces ensuring safe and efficient use of the runway and taxiways.
On April 28, a leopard was sighted on the airport premises. The Pune Forest Department deployed two trap cages, seven camera traps and a dog squad to track the animal, identifying areas of frequent movement. Although multiple camera trap sightings were recorded, no leopard was captured after days of search operations.
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