India's leopard population rises to 13,874: report

by IANS |



New Delhi, Feb 29 (IANS) Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav on Thursday released a report which said that the country's leopard population has risen to 13,874 (Range: 12,616 – 15,132) .


“Central India shows a stable or slightly growing population of leopards (2018: 8071, 2022: 8820), Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains experienced decline (2018: 1253, 2022: 1109),” said the report, titled ‘Status of Leopards’.


It said that if we look at the area which was sampled both in 2018 and 2022 across India, there is a 1.08 per cent per annum growth.


“In Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains, there is a -3.4 per cent decline per annum, while the largest growth rate was in Central India and Eastern Ghats of 1.5 per cent,” the report said.


Madhya Pradesh houses the largest population of leopards in the country -- 3907 (2018: 3421), followed by Maharashtra (2022: 1985; 2018: 1,690), Karnataka (2022: 1,879 ; 2018: 1,783) and Tamil Nadu (2022: 1,070; 2018: 868).


Tiger Reserves or sites with highest leopard population are, Nagarajunasagar Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh), followed by Panna (Madhya Pradesh), and Satpura (Madhya Pradesh).


The report said that the fifth cycle of leopard population estimation (2022) in India focused on forested habitats within 18 tiger states, covering four major tiger conservation landscapes.


This cycle conducted a foot survey spanning 6,41,449 km to estimate carnivore signs and prey abundance. Camera traps were strategically placed at 32,803 locations, resulting in a total of 4,70,81,881 photographs, resulting in 85,488 photo-captures of leopard.


The findings underscore the critical role of Protected Areas in conserving leopard populations.


‘Project Tiger's conservation legacy expands beyond tigers, evident in the leopard status report, showcasing broader species protection efforts.



Latest News
Tears of joy as five Thai hostages return home after a year in Hamas captivity Sun, Feb 09, 2025, 03:48 PM
ED, Economic intelligence bureau launch probe into CSR fund scam in Kerala Sun, Feb 09, 2025, 03:43 PM
WPL 2025: All-rounder Deepti Sharma to lead UP Warriorz Sun, Feb 09, 2025, 02:54 PM
Piyush Goyal slams states seeking Central funds on basis of tax contribution Sun, Feb 09, 2025, 01:55 PM
2nd ODI: Kohli returns, Varun handed ODI debut as England elect to bat against India Sun, Feb 09, 2025, 01:42 PM
Watchdog to expand English corporate disclosure info for foreign investors Sun, Feb 09, 2025, 01:15 PM
Market Outlook: Delhi polls' outcome, Q3 earnings, inflation data set to drive D-Street action Sun, Feb 09, 2025, 01:13 PM
3 killed, 10 injured as truck carrying pilgrims to Maha Kumbh collides with SUV in MP Sun, Feb 09, 2025, 01:08 PM
12 Maoists killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur Sun, Feb 09, 2025, 12:59 PM
UAE condemns Netanyahu's remarks on Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia Sun, Feb 09, 2025, 12:55 PM
KL Rahul left surprised by huge crowd at Barabati Stadium for India's practice session Sun, Feb 09, 2025, 12:53 PM
23 Indian startups raise over $138 million in funding this week Sun, Feb 09, 2025, 12:45 PM
Atishi submits resignation as Delhi CM to L-G VK Saxena Sun, Feb 09, 2025, 12:41 PM
Delhi L-G dissolves seventh Legislative Assembly Sun, Feb 09, 2025, 12:33 PM
Six killed in Israeli drone strike in Lebanon: Report Sun, Feb 09, 2025, 11:39 AM