India, Feb. 8 -- In response to rising instances of human-wildlife conflict across Pune district, the forest department has begun setting up specialised Wildlife Rapid Rescue Units (WRRU) across forest ranges under the Pune Forest Circle. The first such unit was launched at the Wadgaon Maval range forest office and inaugurated on Thursday, January 5.

The initiative aims to ensure swift and coordinated emergency response during wildlife conflict situations, particularly those involving leopards, which account for a significant share of reported incidents in the district. Officials said conflicts involving other wild animals have also been steadily increasing, highlighting the need for a dedicated and trained response mechanism.

A senior ...