Modi hails increase in leopard numbers; report says feline count highest in MP

• Recently, the Environment Ministry released a report on the Status of Leopards in India.
• The survey covered 20 states, focusing on approximately 70% of the leopard's expected habitat, including tiger reserves and protected forest areas.

Key Findings

• India's leopard population increased from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022, an 8% rise.
  • But, this estimation covers 70% of leopard habitat, excluding areas like the Himalayas and semi-arid regions.
• Madhya Pradesh reported the highest number of leopards (3,907), followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
• While Central India witnessed a stable or slightly growing population, regions like the Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains experiencd a decline.
  • Uttarakhand experienced a 22% decline in leopard numbers due to poaching and man-animal conflict.
  • Approximately 65% of the leopard population exists outside protected areas in the Shivalik landscape.
• Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal collectively saw a 150% rise in leopard numbers, reaching 349 animals.
  • The sharp rise in leopard numbers in northeastern states was attributed to sampling artefact.
• Tiger Reserves or sites with highest leopard population are, Nagarajunasagar Srisailam (AP), followed by Panna (MP), and Satpura (AP).

The Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca)

• The Indian Leopard, smallest of the big cats, is a leopard subspecies widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent.
• They are known for their ability to adapt to a variety of habitats.
• They are strong and agile predators that can climb trees and drag their prey up for safety.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

Prelims Takeaway

• The Indian Leopard
• Status of Leopards in India
• National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)