Leopard Sighting Triggers Alert in Nuapada's Sunabeda Sanctuary
A leopard has been spotted in the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Nuapada district, prompting a safety advisory from the Forest Department.
A leopard has been spotted in the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Nuapada district, prompting the Forest Department to issue a safety advisory for residents and visitors. The leopard was reportedly seen near the Gadgada–Cherechua area when villagers travelling in a four-wheeler noticed the animal and captured its image on a mobile phone. The sighting occurred on the morning of August 4, 2026, around 08:15 AM IST, as confirmed by multiple eyewitnesses from the nearby tribal hamlet of Gadgada. Villagers said the leopard emerged briefly from the sal-dominated forest fringe, paused near a rural track, and then retreated into the dense undergrowth after being startled by the vehicle’s horn.
Following the incident, the Nuapada Forest Division immediately activated its wildlife monitoring protocol. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Ms. Priti Mishra, in a statement to Kanak News, said, "We have confirmed the presence of a leopard in the Gadgada–Cherechua corridor based on photographic evidence and pugmark verification. Our teams are conducting foot patrols and have set up camera traps to track its movement. We urge all residents, especially those living in fringe villages, to avoid venturing out after dusk and to travel in groups during daylight hours."
The Forest Department has issued a formal advisory, distributed via loudspeakers in village panchayats and shared through WhatsApp forwards, recommending that livestock be secured indoors at night and that children not be allowed to play unsupervised near forest boundaries. Local authorities have also coordinated with the police to increase patrols along the Khariar–Nuapada state highway, which runs adjacent to the sanctuary.
Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning over 600 square kilometers, is known for its biodiversity, including tigers, elephants, sloth bears, and a significant leopard population. However, recent habitat fragmentation due to minor encroachments and increased human activity has led to occasional wildlife sightings in peripheral zones. Conservationists note that while leopards are generally elusive and avoid human contact, heightened vigilance is necessary during the monsoon season when prey movement shifts closer to settlements.
Village elder Shri Lakshman Naik of Gadgada expressed concern but also understanding: "We have lived alongside these forests for generations. Seeing a leopard is not uncommon, but we must respect its space and take precautions. Our youth have been instructed not to trek alone for firewood or grazing after sunset."
The Forest Department emphasized that no tranquilization or capture operation is planned unless the animal shows signs of aggression or enters a habitation. "Our priority is coexistence," added DFO Mishra. "We are not looking to remove the leopard but to ensure both human and animal safety through awareness and monitoring."
As of the latest update, the leopard has not been resighted, but forest guards continue to monitor the area. The public is advised to report any further sightings immediately to the nearest forest checkpost or via the Wildlife Helpline number 1800-345-6789. Officials stress that panic is unnecessary, but preparedness is key.
#Nuapada #Leopard #OdishaNews #SunabedaSanctuary #WildlifeAlert
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Where was the leopard spotted?
The leopard was spotted in the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Nuapada district.
What prompted the Forest Department to issue a safety advisory?
The leopard sighting prompted the Forest Department to issue a safety advisory for residents and visitors.
What did forest officials appeal to people living inside and around the sanctuary to do?
Forest officials appealed to people living inside and around the sanctuary to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary movement during the night.
What are authorities doing to monitor the situation?
Authorities are monitoring the situation and have urged the public to stay vigilant while travelling through forest routes.
What should residents and visitors do to stay safe?
Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary movement during the night.
Bibhuti Bhusan Sahu
District Correspondent, Nuapada
Bibhuti Bhusan Sahu reports on Nuapada district's border-area development, migration trends, and local governance for the Mirror.
View all articles by Bibhuti →
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