Urban Jungle Meets Academic Haven: Leopard Sighting Electrifies JNU Campus

An unexpected visitor has transformed the tranquil academic landscape of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) into a buzzing wildlife watch zone. A leopard, confirmed by unmistakable pugmarks and scat, has been sighted lurking near the university's residential areas, specifically around the Godavari and Narmada Hostels, sending a ripple of both excitement and concern across the campus community.

The Delhi Forest Department, acting swiftly on reports, has launched a comprehensive operation to ensure the safety of students and staff while attempting to safely capture the elusive big cat.

Two sophisticated camera traps have been strategically installed in the forested patches where the leopard's presence was most strongly indicated. These traps are crucial for monitoring its movements, understanding its patterns, and identifying the ideal time for intervention. Furthermore, a specialized cage, complete with live bait – reportedly chicken – has been set up, designed to attract and safely contain the leopard.

JNU's sprawling campus, renowned for its lush greenery, is effectively an extension of the Delhi Ridge's diverse ecosystem, bordering the dense Sanjay Van.

This ecological connectivity makes it a natural habitat and corridor for various wild animals. While the sighting of a leopard might seem extraordinary in an urban setting, it's a testament to the thriving biodiversity within Delhi's protected forest areas. Officials confirmed the presence of other wildlife within JNU, including jackals, civet cats, nilgai, and even wild boars, underscoring the delicate balance between urban development and natural habitats.

The presence of leopards in the Delhi Ridge is not entirely unprecedented.

Experts estimate a population of 7-8 leopards within the broader Ridge area, encompassing significant green lungs like the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary and even past sightings in locations such as the Yamuna Biodiversity Park and Sainik Farm. These elusive predators are typically shy and prefer to avoid human contact.

However, if provoked, cornered, or feeling threatened, they can become dangerous, making caution paramount.

Authorities are urging the JNU community and residents in surrounding areas to exercise extreme vigilance. Advisories include avoiding venturing into forested areas after dusk, particularly alone, and immediately reporting any further sightings to the forest department or university security.

Emphasizing the importance of not approaching or attempting to confront the animal, officials stress that a calm and measured response is essential for both human and animal safety. The ongoing operation underscores the critical need for urban dwellers to coexist responsibly with the surprising array of wildlife that shares their city, reminding everyone that even in the heart of Delhi, nature always finds a way.