Bengaluru Becomes India’s ‘Leopard Capital’, Surpassing Mumbai

Bengaluru has officially become the ‘Leopard Capital’ of India, surpassing Mumbai in terms of the highest number of free-ranging wild leopards living on the fringes of a major metropolis. According to a year-long survey conducted by the Holématthi Nature Foundation (HNF) and led by conservationist Dr. Sanjay Gubbi, an estimated 80–85 leopards currently inhabit the forests and scrublands surrounding Bengaluru. This makes the city a rare urban zone still teeming with apex predators and other large mammals, underlining its unique ecological value and the need for sustained conservation efforts.

Why in News?

A new camera-trap survey (2024–2025) conducted by the Holématthi Nature Foundation revealed that Bengaluru’s wild leopard population has grown to 80–85 individuals. This figure exceeds Mumbai’s known population of 54 leopards, making Bengaluru the urban region with the highest free-ranging leopard count. The Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) has seen a steady rise in leopard numbers, and several key forest areas have been proposed for conservation reserve status.

Aim and Objectives of the Survey

• Estimate leopard population in and around Bengaluru.
• Assess habitat use, movement patterns, and biodiversity across fragmented landscapes.
• Recommend scientifically backed conservation strategies for long-term leopard-human coexistence.

Survey Highlight

• Total estimated leopards: 80–85
• Bannerghatta National Park (BNP): 54 individuals (up from 40 in 2019)
• Rest of metropolitan fringe areas: ~30 individuals
• Total area surveyed: 282 sq km using 250+ camera traps

Key Survey Zones

• Turahalli, B.M. Kaval, U.M. Kaval
• Roerich Estate, Gollahalli Gudda
• Sulikere, Hesaraghatta, Marasandra, Manduru, and other adjoining areas

Other Key Findings

• 34 mammal species photo-documented.
• 8 species listed on the IUCN Red List: 4 Endangered, 4 Near Threatened.
• 22 species protected under Schedule I and 5 under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Reasons for Leopard Increase

• Stricter protection in BNP, leading to improved prey availability.
• Coexistence with local communities.
• Some contribution from past translocation of conflict leopards.

Recommendations by HNF

• Declare B.M. Kaval, U.M. Kaval, Roerich Estate, and Gollahalli Gudda as Conservation Reserves.
• Add Durgadakal RF, Bettahalliwade RF, and deemed forests of J.I. Bachahalli and M. Maniyambal to Bannerghatta National Park.
• Conserve the Muneshwarabetta–Bannerghatta corridor.
• Avoid future leopard translocations into BNP.
• Enhance community awareness for conflict mitigation and support wildlife corridors.

Significance of the Study

• Highlights Bengaluru’s rich biodiversity despite urban pressures.
• Reinforces the idea that big cats and urban expansion can coexist with sound conservation policy.
• Provides a model for other urban regions on balancing development and ecological integrity.