PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The media plays a critical role in shaping public perceptions of wildlife, especially when it comes to species like leopards that are often misunderstood and feared, the Head of Forest Force (HoFF) Dhananjai Mohan said. He was speaking at a media workshop organised by the Forest department in collaboration with Titli Trust and Wildlife Conservation Society – India (WCS-India) on Friday to address the growing challenge of leopard-human conflict in the region. The workshop aimed to engage with journalists and encourage sensitive fact-based reporting on human-leopard interactions; recognising the key role that media plays in shaping public understanding and supporting coexistence efforts.
Mohan said that sensational reporting can worsen conflict, while responsible, informed storytelling can build awareness, reduce panic, and promote coexistence. “We want the media to see themselves not just as observers, but as key stakeholders in efforts to mitigate human-leopard conflict,” he said.
Chief wildlife warden Ranjan Mishra said, “For successfully mitigating conflict in and around Uttarakhand’s key wildlife landscapes, it’s essential to shift the focus from fear to understanding when it comes to leopards. Conflict is often rooted in misinformation. The media is a powerful ally in conservation—when media stories are told with empathy, accuracy and scientifically backed fact and context, they not only inform but also empower communities to coexist with wildlife. Our goal is not just to protect leopards, but to ensure the safety and confidence of people living alongside them.”
During the workshop, a guide booklet on “Busting myths about leopards and learning to live with them” was also released, aimed at supporting more informed public engagement. Highlighting the crucial role of the media in shaping public perception, Virat Singh, head of communications at Asar and a former journalist, presented on how science-based and accurate reporting can play a transformative role in raising awareness, dispelling fear and ultimately contributing to the safety of both people and wildlife.
