VIDEO: Leopard spotted near Hyderabad's Golconda Fort may have returned to forest, say officials

Hyderabad: Telangana forest officials suspect that a leopard spotted near Golconda Fort on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Monday, July 28, has likely returned to nearby forested areas after no further sightings were reported since its initial appearance that morning. 

The elusive big cat was first seen early on Monday by a resident within an Army-controlled zone close to Golconda Fort, reportedly heading towards the Musi River. The police were quickly alerted and subsequently informed the forest department. CCTV footage later confirmed the leopard’s presence, suggesting it had been roaming in the region for at least a month.

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Officials believe the leopard may have travelled through several semi-urban and forest-edge locations in recent weeks. Sightings have been reported from the Greyhounds training campus in Manchirevula, the forest trek park near Chilkur, and the Mulkavanam nursery.

It is thought to have strayed from the Vikarabad forests while searching for prey or territory, gradually edging closer to human settlements before emerging near Golconda.

Residents of Golconda have also claimed to have seen the leopard along Taramati Baradari road near the Musi River, though no photographs have surfaced to verify these reports. Despite these accounts, forest staff have found no pugmarks or fresh signs of the animal’s presence in the vicinity, easing immediate concerns.

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To track the leopard’s movements, forest teams have installed camera traps and placed cages baited with live prey at strategic points along suspected routes. As a precaution, the Forest Trek Park in Manchirevula has been temporarily closed to visitors.

Officials have urged locals to stay alert but not panic. Security patrols in sensitive areas have been strengthened, and residents are being encouraged to report any fresh sightings promptly so that the leopard can be guided back to its natural habitat without harm.