In Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, the Forest Department has dispatched two specialist teams equipped with drone cameras to track two leopards that have been regularly sighted across rural mandals. District Forest Officer G. Subburaj told The Hindu that field teams have found fresh pug‑marks and movement patterns during recent combing operations.

The department notes that several mandals host a robust prey base, supporting a healthy leopard population. The two leopards currently on the prowl belong to a four‑member group, two of whose members died recently—one fell into a well and the other succumbed to a territorial fight.

To date, the cats have caused no human or cattle fatalities, only attacking stray dogs. While the public has called for their capture, officials stress that it is not technically feasible unless a big cat becomes a direct menace to people or livestock.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that deploying drones for wildlife monitoring can dramatically reduce human‑wildlife conflict, deliver real‑time data for conservation strategies, and serve as a model for other Indian states facing big‑cat challenges.

"Drones have turned wildlife surveillance from a guess‑work exercise into a precise, low‑impact operation," says wildlife biologist Dr. Anitha Rao.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can drones actually capture leopards?

A: Current drone technology is limited to surveillance and tracking; physical capture still requires ground teams, which carry significant risk.

Q: What precautions should villagers take?

A: Avoid venturing out after dusk, secure livestock, and steer clear of rural roads at night, especially on two‑wheelers.