By Rajendra Kerkar
In the early hours of Sunday, a black panther was fatally injured while crossing the road at Kone-Priol. The animal later died tragically due to the lack of immediate veterinary medical care. The incident shocked local residents, many of whom were unaware of the presence of such a rare wild animal in their surroundings.
Though a black panther is essentially a leopard, its unique black coloration makes it a striking and mysterious creature, often captivating wildlife enthusiasts. However, the rapid urbanisation and relentless pace of development are taking a devastating toll on Goa’s lush green forests — the natural habitat for such wildlife.
In the name of progress, we are relentlessly destroying forests for road widening, railways, and other infrastructure projects, often without understanding the importance of ecological balance. As per Forest Department records, Ponda taluka has negligible forest cover. Even the areas marked as Private Forests by multiple government-appointed committees are now facing near extinction.
Tribal communities like the Gaudas, who once lived in harmony with nature and protected these forests with deep respect, are witnessing the erosion of these ecosystems. The construction of houses, bungalows, and residential complexes within forested and horticultural areas has severely fragmented wildlife habitats.
Furthermore, the destruction of catchment areas — springs, streams, and rivulets — has resulted in the degradation of water sources that once sustained countless wildlife species. The Forest Department has launched an inquiry into the black panther’s death, believed to be caused by a speeding vehicle.
The absence of a well-equipped and trained 24×7 rescue team, along with the lack of independent veterinary doctors under the Forest Department, poses a serious threat to wildlife, especially when they are injured or vulnerable after accidents.
Encroachments for expanding cashew plantations and other crops, depletion of jungle water holes, and increasing poaching of wild herbivores have driven leopards out of their habitats and into human settlements, where they prey on stray cattle and dogs. With rising summer temperatures, such sightings have become increasingly common.
Alarmingly, even within protected zones like wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and government or private forests, wild animals find no safe refuge. The continued construction of homes and other facilities within these areas further endangers them.
The Goa government appears to lack a long-term, visionary plan to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. Instead, it proposes new initiatives within core forest areas once teeming with wildlife. Incidents of sloth bear attacks, leopards preying on domestic animals, and bison feeding on fruit crops are on the rise — and sadly, the blame is squarely placed on the wildlife.
If we fail to understand the root causes of wildlife displacement and growing disturbances in natural ecosystems, we will be faced with more severe and complex environmental issues — ones that threaten not just biodiversity, but our own survival and livelihoods.
