In Japodar village of Amreli district, Gujarat, a father has taken an extraordinary step to ensure his children's safety. Bharat Bariya, a widower, constructed an eight-by-six-foot iron cage where he and his six children sleep each night. This makeshift bedroom, larger than typical leopard traps used by forest officials, serves as a protective barrier against the increasing presence of leopards in the area.

The decision to build the cage was driven by a series of leopard sightings and attacks in the vicinity, posing a significant threat to the villagers, especially children. Bariya's initiative highlights the challenges faced by rural communities living in close proximity to wildlife habitats.

While the cage offers a sense of security, it also underscores the need for effective human-wildlife conflict management strategies. Local authorities and wildlife conservationists are urged to implement measures that ensure the safety of villagers while preserving the natural habitats of wild animals.

Bariya's story is a testament to a father's love and the lengths to which he will go to protect his family. It also brings attention to the broader issue of human-wildlife coexistence in rapidly changing environments.