Saidpur on alert after leopard sightings in the village
Saidpur village has “expanded illegally” over the years, it should NOT be encroaching into national park area, habitat for wild animals!
Saidpur has been put on alert after leopards were sighted in the village!
As reported, at least three common Asian leopards were spotted in Saidpur village of Islamabad on Thursday night, spreading fear and panic among residents of the area.
A contingent of Islamabad Capital Police has been deployed in Saidpur village, after three leopards entered the territory of Margalla hills in Islamabad.
Sources claim that the Leopards go for a walk near Saidpur, a small Mughal-era village that is now within Islamabad, a mere 10-minute drive from a major market.
The area known for its restaurants, views on the Margalla Hills and has now become famous for leopard sightings.
The incident of appearance of leopards near Saidpur village was reported after maghrib leaving the residents in panic.
The locals made announcements via Mosques to take necessary precautions and to remain careful.
While, the wildlife team immediately rushed to site and the staff is on the ground this morning as well.
According to the wildlife department team, no loss of livestock was reported from the area. The leopards did not enter the village, but ran away back to the forest after people made noises.
The incident of appearance of Tiger near Saidpur village took place after maghrib. Necessary precautions with regard to announcements in Mosques to remain careful have been made. The wildlife team immediately rushed to site and are still there. Efforts will continue to catch it pic.twitter.com/5YwyGytMqh
— Islamabad Updates (@IslamabadViews) November 17, 2022
The panic ridden residents of the area initially reported via social media that there were more than three leopards roaming around the Saidpur village.
However, IWMB chair Rina S. Khan Satti tweeted there were only two to three leopards at the maximum.
Saidpur has expanded illegally over the years. The national park is a refuge for common leopards, a vulnerable species. Saidpur should NOT be encroaching into national park area. IWMB has SOPs regarding leopard encounters @WildlifeBoard pic.twitter.com/BKXfEkTjmv
— Rina S Khan Satti (@rinasaeed) November 17, 2022
So plz relax. No need to panic or sensationalise this news. Leopards are apex predators and their presence inside MHNP is indicative of a healthy ecosystem. Villages inside MHNP will be included in our awareness raising! We will be handing out SOPs @WildlifeBoard
— Rina S Khan Satti (@rinasaeed) November 17, 2022
