The Wildlife Division, Dimapur, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Nagaland has confirmed that a movement of leopard was recorded/captured by a camera trap in the Chudi Village area of Wokha district and has issued measures for the general public to help avoid untoward incidents.

In a public advisory, H Tokaho Kinimi, IFS, Wildlife Warden, Wildlife Division, Dimapur informed that the camera traps were set up on 27th March 2025 in the area following concerns of possible movement of a “big cat”.

The department has stated that such movement is not completely unusual but calls for greater vigilance by the general public. It also said that all necessary steps are being taken and appealed for the cooperation and support of the general public and all concerned to help tackle the issue in an appropriate manner.

The measured advised by the Department are:

1. To avoid venturing out into the nearby forest area/secluded areas or traveling alone, especially after sunset. Movement, if unavoidable, is to be in groups and with adequately bright torches.

2. To keep livestock secure in robust enclosures at night and any unusual disappearance of livestock is to be immediately reported to the Department.

3. To keep the surroundings devoid of garbage, as this attracts feral dogs and other livestock, this in turn attracts the wild animals. The focus should be on better garbage disposal and sanitation.

4. To keep your immediate surrounding areas, clear of thick grasses and bushes.

5. To keep your residence areas well-lit at night.

6. To avoid giving heed to rumours and to avoid rumour mongering, especially on social media.

7. To be vigil and in case of sighting of the wild animal, avoid approaching or provoking the animal and report immediately to wildlife authorities, whose contacts are given below: H Tokaho Kinimi, IFS, Wildlife Warden, Wildlife Division, Dimapur- +91 8731821345

Hukai Zhimo, Officer-in-Charge, WLCCU, Wildlife Division, Dimapur-+91 8787890194