The population of leopards in India is 13,874, which shows stability. An increase is being seen in central India, while a decline is being seen in the Shivalik Hills and the Gangetic plains. Madhya Pradesh is home to the largest population.
Shri Bhupendra Yadav unveiled the fifth cycle of leopard population assessment in India in collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India. This report highlights the status and trends of leopard populations in different scenarios amid increasing threats.
5th cycle of leopard population assessment in India: key findings
- Population Estimates: The leopard population in India is estimated at 13,874, showing stability compared to previous estimates. However, this represents only 70% of the leopard's habitat, with the Himalayas and semi-arid regions not sampled.
- Regional Trends: Central India is showing stable or slightly increasing population, while the Shivalik Hills and the Gangetic plains are experiencing a decline. In selected areas, the growth rate is 1.08% per year, with varying trends in different regions.
- State-wise distribution: Madhya Pradesh has the largest population of leopards, followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Tiger reserves like Nagarjunasagar, Srisailam, Panna and Satpura serve as important habitats for leopards.
- Survey Method: The survey focused on forest habitats within 18 tiger states, using foot surveys and camera traps. More than 4,70,81,881 photographs were taken, resulting in the capture of 85,488 photographs of leopards.
Conservation Challenges
- Protected Areas: Study The important role of protected areas in preserving leopard populations has been emphasized, with tiger reserves serving as important strongholds.
- Protection interval: Given the increasing incidents of conflict between leopards and communities, it is important to address conservation gaps outside protected areas.
- collaborative effort: Effective conservation requires collaborative efforts involving government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities to enhance habitat protection and reduce human-wildlife conflict.