Dehradun: The Mohand forest area of the Rajaji National Park is witnessing sharp growth in the arrival of tourists because of the sighting of the leopards during the current winter season.
As this area is close to Dehradun-Delhi highway, it is easily accessible to the tourists for leopard sightings. being famous for leopard-sighting tourists prefer to go to this part because of the road connectivity to see the leopards and their young cubs relaxing the winter sunshine.
Growth in the tourist inflow
According to Koko Rose, the director of the Rajaji National Park, there is approximately 40 per cent growth in the arrival of tourists in the Mohand forest area. “We have increased the number of Safari vehicles in view of the increase in the inflow of tourists,” Rose said. He added the interest of tourists towards Safari in Mohand area is growing due to the availability of facilities.
Good opportunity for leopard-sighting in Mohand
Since there is growth in the number of leopards, tourists get the opportunity to do leopard-sighting in this part. There are few places for leopards to hide in trees and thus, they are easily being sighted. The leopards, caught from the areas of human habitation, are also freed in Mohan areas.
About 200 leopards in this wildlife sanctuary
According to one estimate, there are about 200 leopards in this wildlife sanctuary. Moreover, tigers are translocated from the Corbett Tiger Reserve in the western part of the Rajaji park. This has affected the leopards and Mohand forest area has become their new home. Leopards have shifted to Mohand forest areas in a good number.
Growth in tourism in Mohand area
The presence of leopards in a high number in Mohand forest areas has led to the growth in tourism in this part. Tourists, who reach this part, prefer to go for Jungle Safari in Mohand forest area. Since there is always a high chance for the tourists for leopard-sighting in the Mohand forest area, they also do not get disappointed. Situation is such that tourists get the opportunity for leopard-sighting four to five times in a day for the last month.
