LAKHIMPUR KHERI, Feb. 23 -- In a first for the buffer zone of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, authorities here have started radio-collaring leopards captured from conflict areas before releasing them back into forests, amid rising concerns over frequent sightings near human habitations.

As part of an experimental measure, a female leopard captured from the Dhaurahra range was fitted with a global positioning system (GPS) and very high frequency (VHF-enabled) radio collar before being released into the forests of Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday.

While radio-collaring tigers and rhinos is routine monitoring, officials said this is the first time leopards have been radio-collared in the reserve's buffer zone.

Officials said four leo...