📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sanket Oswal
Science
Maharashtra Forest Dept. Administers Contraceptive Vaccine to Two Female Leopards in Junnar
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 18 Oct 2026, 08:32 AM
👁 11
The Maharashtra Forest Department has administered a contraceptive vaccine to two female leopards in the Junnar region, aiming to manage the local leopard population.
The Maharashtra Forest Department carried out a wildlife conservation initiative by vaccinating two female leopards in the Junnar forest area. The contraceptive vaccine, designed to reduce reproduction rates, was administered under veterinary supervision.
The procedure is part of a broader effort to regulate the leopard population in the region, where human‑wildlife conflicts have been on the rise. By limiting births, the department hopes to maintain ecological balance while minimizing the need for more invasive measures.
Veterinary officials noted that the vaccine is safe and has been used successfully in other wildlife projects across India. The animals were tranquilized briefly before the injection and monitored for any adverse reactions.
The forest department will continue to track the health and reproductive status of the leopards, and may extend the program to other areas if the results prove effective.
The procedure is part of a broader effort to regulate the leopard population in the region, where human‑wildlife conflicts have been on the rise. By limiting births, the department hopes to maintain ecological balance while minimizing the need for more invasive measures.
Veterinary officials noted that the vaccine is safe and has been used successfully in other wildlife projects across India. The animals were tranquilized briefly before the injection and monitored for any adverse reactions.
The forest department will continue to track the health and reproductive status of the leopards, and may extend the program to other areas if the results prove effective.