India’s snow leopard count: Why this Himalayan feat is only the first step to securing the cat

• A new report by the Indian government reveals an 8% increase in the national leopard population since 2018, with an estimated 13,874 leopards in India.
• However, the survey, covering 70% of leopard habitat across 20 states, also identified regional variations.

Key Findings:

• Overall growth: The national leopard population increased from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022.

Regional disparities:

• Central India and Eastern Ghats: Stable or slightly growing populations (largest growth rate at 1.5% per year).
• Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains: Worrying decline of 3.4% per year.

Habitat distribution:

• 65% of leopards reside outside protected areas, particularly in the Shivalik landscape (foothills of the Himalayas).
• Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of leopards (3,907), followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
• Several states, including Odisha, Uttarakhand, Kerala, and Telangana, reported population declines.

Positive aspects:

• Tiger conservation benefits leopards: The report suggests that leopard populations thrive within tiger reserves due to increased prey availability and protection measures.

Threats:

• Poaching: Targeting leopards directly or poaching their prey (bushmeat trade).
• Habitat loss: Activities like mining and development threaten leopard habitats.
• Road accidents: A significant cause of leopard mortality.
• The report emphasizes the need for continued conservation efforts to address regional declines and mitigate various threats faced by leopards in India.

Prelims Takeaway

• Eastern Ghats
• Western Ghat