Manoj Kumar Ojha/Doomdooma

As a male and a female leopard have been roaming around Tingrai No 1 Muslim village near Digboi in eastern Assam’s Tinsukia district. the tolerance of locals towards the predators has drawn attention to the community awareness in protecting wildlife.

The leopard pair has reportedly been sighted in and around the village for about a month. Although the beasts have killed at least three goats, residents have shown no resentment towards the animals, offering an example of restraint despite losses to their livelihood.

Faruk Ali rescuing a python

"The animals have been sighted multiple times in and around our village. They appear to be gentle in nature and have so far been non-aggressive towards humans. We have informed the authorities, who are working on it. Losing a couple of livestock doesn't mean we should be aggressive towards the animals," one of the villagers told Awaz-The Voice.

The tolerance also underscores the sensitivity of Muslim residents of the wider area towards wildlife conservation. Local people have reportedly alerted forest personnel and wildlife rescuers. Such cooperation can help authorities respond promptly to wildlife sightings and prevent encounters from escalating.

A rescued tiger being released in Tinsukia forest

The Digboi forest landscape is part of a biodiversity-rich region encompassing forests and protected areas, including the Dehing Patkai National Park, which extends across Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts. Its tropical rainforests provide habitat for leopards, elephants, primates and numerous other species.

“The important thing is to understand the real causes of human-wildlife conflict and the behaviour of wild animals. Our village areas are increasingly becoming centres of human-wildlife conflict, making awareness and caution essential for the safety of both,” wildlife conservationist Devajit Moran said.

Elephants in tea plantations in Tinsukia

Moran said habitat destruction and growing human interference were bringing people and wildlife into closer contact. He stressed the importance of protecting nature and promoting responsible coexistence.

“Humans have taken so much from nature that it is extremely important to dedicate something in return for its protection,” he said.

Conservationists stress that tolerance must go hand in hand with caution. Residents should avoid approaching or provoking leopards, secure livestock where possible and promptly inform forest officials about sightings that could pose a risk.

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The experience at Tingrai illustrates how informed community responses can support conservation. Protecting wildlife in eastern Assam requires not only safeguarding forests but also building cooperation between local residents and forest authorities.