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Leopard Spotted in Zundal-Chandkheda; Forest Dept Searches Nearby Shela
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 21 Jul 2026, 04:48 PM
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A leopard was sighted in the forests of Zundal-Chandkheda, prompting the Maharashtra Forest Department to launch a search in the nearby Shela area while the animal is believed to be roaming up to 25 km away.
A leopard was sighted in the forested region of Zundal-Chandkheda in Buldhana district, Maharashtra, on Tuesday. The sighting was reported by local residents who observed the animal near a waterhole.
In response, the Maharashtra Forest Department has mobilised teams to conduct a systematic search in the nearby Shela area, approximately 25 kilometres from the initial sighting point. Officers are patrolling the terrain with night-vision equipment and setting up camera traps to track the leopard’s movements.
The forest officials have issued a safety advisory to villagers and visitors in the region, urging them to stay indoors after dusk and to report any further sightings immediately. No injuries or attacks have been reported so far.
The department has also coordinated with local wildlife authorities to ensure that the leopard’s habitat is protected and that any potential human-wildlife conflict is minimized. The search is expected to continue until the leopard’s whereabouts are confirmed.
Residents of Zundal-Chandkheda and surrounding villages are advised to remain vigilant and cooperate with the forest officials during the ongoing search operation.
In response, the Maharashtra Forest Department has mobilised teams to conduct a systematic search in the nearby Shela area, approximately 25 kilometres from the initial sighting point. Officers are patrolling the terrain with night-vision equipment and setting up camera traps to track the leopard’s movements.
The forest officials have issued a safety advisory to villagers and visitors in the region, urging them to stay indoors after dusk and to report any further sightings immediately. No injuries or attacks have been reported so far.
The department has also coordinated with local wildlife authorities to ensure that the leopard’s habitat is protected and that any potential human-wildlife conflict is minimized. The search is expected to continue until the leopard’s whereabouts are confirmed.
Residents of Zundal-Chandkheda and surrounding villages are advised to remain vigilant and cooperate with the forest officials during the ongoing search operation.