Living Leopards
Baseline Study on Human Leopard Coexistence in the Pocharam Landscape
Leopards are among India’s most adaptable large carnivores, often surviving in landscapes shared with people. In the Pocharam landscape of Kamareddy district, forests, farms, grazing lands, and villages form a connected mosaic where leopards continue to persist.
But coexistence is becoming increasingly fragile.
As leopard movement overlaps more with human activity, incidents involving livestock loss, fear, and retaliation are becoming more common. Many leopard deaths, including poisoning, road accidents, and trapping, often remain undocumented or poorly understood.
Without reliable baseline information, conservation responses remain reactive rather than preventive.
Living Leopards is a field based initiative to build the first baseline understanding of human leopard coexistence in this landscape.
Through village surveys, community interviews, and spatial mapping, this project aims to understand where leopards are present, where conflict is emerging, and how local communities perceive and respond to leopard presence.
This baseline will help shape future coexistence strategies for both people and wildlife.
We are inviting passionate individuals to join this field effort.
Whether you are looking for practical field experience, want to contribute to conservation, or wish to understand human wildlife interactions at the grassroots, this is an opportunity to work directly in a live conservation landscape.
Core Internship (2 Positions)
Who is this for?
Students, recent graduates, or early career conservationists interested in field research, community engagement, and wildlife conservation.
Roles and Responsibilities:
• Conduct field interviews in villages
• Coordinate with volunteers
• Ensure data quality and consistency
• Maintain field records and documentation
• Assist with field logistics and reporting
Requirements:
• Fluent in Telugu
• Valid two wheeler license
• Comfortable with field travel and rural landscapes
• Interest in wildlife conservation and social fieldwork
Duration
1 Month (May-June)
Volunteer Opportunity
Who can apply?
Students, professionals, nature enthusiasts, and corporate volunteers.
Roles and Responsibilities:
• Assist with village interviews
• Support field teams in data collection
• Help maintain survey accuracy
• Participate in community interactions
Requirements:
• Minimum 5 day commitment
• Telugu speaking
• Two wheeler license mandatory
Duration
5-days minimum. Weekend participation is welcome for partner corporate volunteers. (Benevity)
