Bhupender Yadav Releases Report on Status of Leopards in India

Shri Bhupender Yadav, in collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India, unveiled the fifth cycle of leopard population estimation in India. The report sheds light on the status and trends of leopard populations across various landscapes amidst escalating threats.

5th cycle of leopard population estimation in India: Key Findings

1. Population Estimate: India’s leopard population is estimated at 13,874, showcasing stability compared to the previous estimate. However, this represents only 70% of leopard habitat, with the Himalayas and semi-arid regions not sampled.

2. Regional Trends: Central India exhibits a stable or slightly growing population, while the Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains experience a decline. Across sampled areas, there’s a 1.08% per annum growth rate, with varying trends in different regions.
3. State-wise Distribution: Madhya Pradesh harbors the largest leopard population, followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Tiger reserves like Nagarajunasagar Srisailam, Panna, and Satpura serve as significant habitats for leopards.

4. Survey Methodology: The survey focused on forested habitats within 18 tiger states, utilizing foot surveys and camera traps. Over 4,70,81,881 photographs were captured, resulting in 85,488 photo-captures of leopards.

Conservation Challenges

1. Protected Areas: The study emphasizes the crucial role of protected areas in conserving leopard populations, with tiger reserves serving as important strongholds.

2. Conservation Gaps: Addressing conservation gaps outside protected areas is imperative, given the rising incidents of conflict between leopards and communities.

3. Collaborative Efforts: Effective conservation requires collaborative efforts involving government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities to enhance habitat protection and mitigate human-wildlife conflict.