India, Dec. 30 -- Following final approval from the Centre on November 17, the Maharashtra Forest Department has initiated detailed planning for a pilot leopard birth control programme in Junnar, one of the state's most human-wildlife conflict-affected areas. However, officials noted that the contraceptive drug required for the initiative is not manufactured in India and will need to be sourced internationally, creating logistical and regulatory hurdles.

To be carried out on an experimental basis by the Junnar Forest Division, the project marks India's first attempt to regulate wild leopard populations through non-lethal and non-surgical methods. As part of the initial preparations, forest officials have begun shortlisting female leopard...