India, May 17 -- In an effort to better understand leopard behaviour and reduce human-leopard conflict in Junnar, the forest department has launched a scientific study of leopard scat samples to analyse feeding and prey patterns. Officials said the findings are expected to generate crucial data to help shape future wildlife management and conflict mitigation policies in the region.

The project was launched in the first week of May and will be conducted over two months across the Junnar Forest Division. The study involves systematic sample collection and scientific analysis of leopard scat to understand feeding habits, prey patterns and movement behaviour in human-dominated landscapes.

The initiative is part of a broader behavioural stud...