Gypsy driver throws stone at leopard for ‘action shot’

Jaipur: The ugly side of wildlife photography came to the fore once again in Rajasthan when a gypsy driver accompanied by an Indian tourist allegedly pelted stones at a leopard sitting on a rock hill in search of a perfect ‘action shot’ at Jawai Bandh Leopard Conservation Reserve (JBLCR).
The wild cat was saved by a whisker as a stone that was thrown fell a few inches away. This scared the leopard and it hurriedly rushed into its cave. The hotel association at Jawai has registered the complaint at the DFO’s office.
An eyewitness safari operator who wished not to be named said, “The person is notorious and often chased wild cats in past with gypsies. Leopard is listed on a par with tigers under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972. We registered a complaint and requested to take stern action against the culprit.”
In the letter, the operators have mentioned that person who is a habitual offender can also harm the animals if timely action is not taken. Another operator said, “Like other national parks and forest reserves, Jawai forest safaris are not controlled and monitored by the forest department. The association and nature lovers for years are following the rules to conserve the habitat and animals. This is an exceptional case. To set an example, forest department should also act against people who are harming the leopards outside the protected areas.”
TOI tried to contact the nature guide, but his phone remained out of reach.
A senior forest official source said, many tourists travelling to forests are a threat to wildlife and ecosystem as they are ‘irresponsible’. A source said, “Safari tourists pay approx Rs 10,000 and they do not want to return disappointed. So they bribe guides and gypsy drivers to help them in getting the perfect picture.”