Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Monday said the state government had requested the Reliance Foundation to accommodate leopards at its Vantara facility, adding that 25 big cats have already been relocated there.
Speaking in the state legislative council during discussions on amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act as applicable to Maharashtra, Naik highlighted a sharp rise in the population of big cats in the state.
He noted that the number of leopards has increased fourfold over the past decade. Similarly, the tiger population has grown significantly, rising from 101 around seven to eight years ago to 444 at present.
The amendment bill, which was passed by the state assembly last week, received approval from the legislative council on Monday.
