I was quite dismayed after reading the news story revealing that the human

leopard encounter in the capital “Habitat destruction, lack of prey pushing leopards into cities” (THT, June 3, Page 3).

This is not a matter of surprise for us. Most recently, there have been three leopard encounters in the Kathmandu Valley in just six months, according to the statistics.

This clearly shows how miserable and vulnerable the leopard habitat has become in the surrounding hills of the densely populated Valley.

In order to ameliorate such frequent prowls of leopards the concerned authorities and stakeholders must carry out an integrated plan of action to protect the wildlife habitats so that the wildlife like leopards may enjoy inside the forest areas.

Moreover, overpopulation has been the scourge of today’s generation which is responsible for the destruction of wildlife habitats. Due to this, wild animals have no other choice than to enter the human settlements in search of prey.

Hence, forest conservation is a must in order to maintain wildlife-friendly environment. Relocation of over populated wildlife species in suitable habitats can be one of the options to maintain their population as well as lessen the human-wildlife encounters.

In addition to this, insufficient number of preys may be the reason why wildlife such as leopards are often seen prowling in the densely populated areas. Recently, people havestarted constructing buildings in the buffer zones making it very difficult for the wild beasts to choose their paths and crossing corridors.

The leopards often enter the human settlements after being disoriented from their usual routes.

Theconcerned authorities may do away with this problem by building fences around the surrounding hills of the Valley which is the natural habitat of beautiful leopards.

I would like to thank the forest officials who successfully darted the wandering leopard and saved its life by sending to its own habitat.

Sanjog Karki, Tansen

Champion

This is with reference to the news story “Muhammad Ali, boxing great and cultural symbol, dies of Parkinson’s at 74” (THT, June 5, Page 1).

Muhammad Ali was the greatest because his fight was not limited to the boxing ring but in social and political arena as well. In fact, his fight was straighter for larger causes than within the confinement of boxing ropes.

He danced like a “butterfly” and played rope a-dope with his boxing opponents but was always very straight and clear in his fight against social and political injustices.

He straightly turned down a huge offer to promote a toothpaste brand only because the toothpaste was white. Such was his clear statement and commitment against racism.

He stuck to his decision not to take part in the Vietnam War and was jailed for defying the order. He was a man of principle and fought for the cause of civil rights.

Sujit De, Kolkata