With the death of a leopard recently, allegedly after it was run over by a vehicle, wildlife activists have demanded a night ban on vehicular movement on roads going through Dandeli–Anshi Tiger Reserve.
Early on February 16, an unidentified vehicle hit a leopard cub near Nagoda (on State Highway 34, Londa–Sadashivgad) coming under the Joida range that abuts Dandeli–Anshi Tiger Reserve. “Night-time traffic ban needs to be implemented as highways pass through protected areas where road-kills of wild animals are high,” said Santosh K., a wildlife activist, who added that at least eight leopards (which are a protected species) had been run over in the area over five years.
Officials at the tiger reserve said a night-time ban was partially in force at the reserve. “Vehicles are routed through Bora during the night-time. The other roads aren’t closed as we believe they have low vehicular traffic,” said an officer.
