Alarmed that a few wire snares were found on Tuesday, close to where the carcasses of a leopard and a sambar were found, the forest department has decided to begin an intensive combing operation across Film City.
The snare was first spotted by wildlife enthusiasts who have been helping the forest department monitor leopard activity using camera traps. "We were closely inspecting the forest patch near the spot where the carcasses were found as we were sure that more such snares would have been placed and we found one set at ground level fixed to a tree, which we showed to the forest officials and removed it," said Kaushal Dubey, one of the volunteers, adding that they find such snares placed inside Aarey as well as Film City.
Dr Jitendra Ramgaonkar, deputy conservator of forest (DCF), Thane territorial, said he has asked for help. "We will scan all sensitive locations in Film City and weed out all such snares," he said.
Wildlife experts said it was a known fact, even to the forest department, that wire snares are set up in Film City and Aarey. "We suspect many wild animals, including leopards, are being poached. The forest department needs to take this issue seriously," said an activist.