The Junnar Forest Division has administered an immune-contraceptive vaccine to two female leopards as part of a pilot study. The two leopards were released back into the wild after being administered the vaccine. The study has received approval from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, said Conservator of Forest Ashish Thakare. The study is to assess whether birth control can help manage leopard populations in areas with frequent human-wildlife interactions.

The project involves the Junnar Forest Division, the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (ICMR-NIRRCH) and veterinary experts from Team RESQ. According to forest department officials, ICMR researchers will analyse blood samples to monitor hormonal changes and assess the vaccine’s effects over time.