India, Aug. 10 -- In a step towards addressing the growing man-animal conflict in Junnar region, the proposed leopard sterilization project has received a green signal from scientists at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). However, the ambitious plan now awaits the final word from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior WII scientist explained that the institute's team relied on findings from a long-term study of leopard behaviour and movement in Junnar conducted over the past three to four years, alongside detailed data from the Junnar Forest Division.

"Our review suggests that a pilot initiative in Junnar is possible, provided it is done in a controlled and scien...