JODHPUR, April 15 -- At least 572 incidents of leopard attacks have been recorded in and around Rajasthan's Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary over a 14-year period, with a new scientific study highlighting gaps in livestock protection and shortcomings in the compensation system meant to support affected villagers. The research, conducted between 2011 and 2024 in the southern Aravalli region, found that conflict incidents have steadily increased over the years, reaching an all-time high of 128 cases in 2024. According to the study, nearly 98% of the recorded incidents involved attacks on livestock, with goats, cows and calves being the most frequent victims. Only four cases of human injury were reported during the entire study period. Dr Vijay Kumar Koli, in-charge of the Wildlife Research Laboratory at Mohanlal Sukhadia University in Udaipur, said the findings also revealed an unusual pattern. "Despite the rise in conflict incidents, there have been no reports of any leopard being killed in retaliation. This reflects the strong cultural bond that local communities share with wildlife and their long tradition of coexistence," he said. Dr Koli said the study also examined when and where most attacks take place. "Leopard attacks on livestock occur throughout the year, with no clear seasonal pattern. However, the majority of incidents happen at night, often inside cattle sheds or close to residential houses," he said. He added that poor livestock protection remains a major concern in the study area. "In nearly 58% of the cattle sheds we surveyed, there were no walls or fences. Many enclosures were made of wood or mud and were located outside the main residential structures, which makes livestock highly vulnerable to nocturnal attacks," Dr. Koli said. Residents reported using several methods to protect their animals, such as sleeping inside the livestock enclosures or occasionally patrolling them at night. However, the study found that none of these strategies proved effective in preventing attacks. The research also identified certain factors that influence the risk of conflict, including elevation, distance from the sanctuary, proximity to human settlements, and land-use patterns. Shrub-covered areas near village outskirts were found to be particularly vulnerable. Dr Koli pointed to gaps in the compensation system meant to assist affected families. He said that although about 67% of residents were aware of government compensation policies, claims were filed in only 31% of cases involving livestock loss. Around 14% of the claims were rejected, and even in approved cases the compensation amount was often far lower than the actual market value of the lost animals, adding to the financial difficulties faced by villagers....