The Maharashtra Forest Department has launched its first-ever leopard population estimation exercise in a non-forest landscape in Junnar taluka, Pune. Using camera traps across sugarcane fields and villages, the study aims to better understand leopard numbers and human-wildlife interactions. (Pics/Maharashtra Forest Department/Wildlife Conservation Society - India)

A dramatic rescue unfolded  after a 36-hour operation in Ratnagiri when a black panther fell into a 50-ft deep well in Kolambe village, likely while chasing prey. Pics/ Illustratrions by Uday Mohite