NEW DELHI: Bhupender Yadav, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, released the report on status of leopards in India.
The fifth cycle leopard population estimation was carried out by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India, in collaboration with state forest departments, as part of the quadrennial “Monitoring of Tiger, Co-predators, prey and their habitat” exercise in tiger range states.
India’s leopard population is estimated at 13,874 (Range: 12,616 – 15,132) individuals, representing stable population in comparison to the similar area being sampled in 2018 with 12,852 (12,172-13,535) individuals.
Madhya Pradesh houses the largest population of leopards in the country – 3907, followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Tiger Reserves or sites with highest leopard population are, Andhra Pradesh’s Nagarajunasagar Srisailam, followed by Panna in Madhya Pradesh, and Satpura, also in Madhya Pradesh.
In the event, Bhupender Yadav stated, “Project Tiger’s conservation legacy expands beyond tigers, evident in the leopard status report, showcasing broader species protection efforts. The report emphasises conservation commitment beyond protected areas, lauding the Forest Department’s dedicated efforts. Project Tiger’s inclusive approach underscores ecosystem interconnectedness and diverse species conservation. Under Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s guidance, this conservation journey embodies the ethos of one Earth, one family, and one future. Congratulations to all contributors in this crucial mission.”