Jaipur with its historical heritage is now developing as a wildlife tourist spot as well. After Jhalana and Nahargarh Safari, now Amagarh reserve is going to be the new destination for Leopard safari.
After a noticeable increase in tourist footfall at Jhalana – the first leopard safari in Jaipur, the Rajasthan government is all set to start the leopard safari at Amagarh reserve, another wildlife destination of the city.
Stretching over an area of 16 km, the reserve is situated on the hills of Galta near Agra Road. At present, there are about 20 leopards living in the reserve area. A 12 km-long safari track has been prepared by the Forest Department in Leopard Reserve. At the same time, 7 water points have been made for wildlife animals including leopards where tourists will be able to spot leopards.
As per the reports, Amagarh reserve is going to begin on May 22 on the occasion of International Biological Biodiversity Day. The inauguration of Leopard Safari is proposed by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on 22 May.
According to the Forest department officials, There are a large number of leopards in the Amagarh hills and adjoining forest area around Galta. Along with this, there is a boost in the number of leopards at Jhalana as well. The new leopards are now going to shift towards Amagarh forest area to make their territory. In such a situation, the department aims to keep the wildlife safe by developing tourism here and collecting the revenue for developing the forest reserve.
The number of leopards in Jaipur has been increasing continuously for some time. About 70 leopards are living in Jhalana, Amagarh and Nahargarh safaris. Of these, more than 40 are in Jhalana Leopard Safari. With the increasing number, incidents of leopards coming into residential areas are also increasing continuously. There have been nine incidents in one year when leopards have come to urban areas.
There is also a residential area around Amagarh Safari. It will also be a challenge for the Forest Department to save the common man from Leopard. Along with Leopard, various species of birds including Nilgai, Fox, Monkey, Peacock, Wild Rabbit also reside in Amagarh Safari.
