India's leopard population has experienced a significant rise of 8% between 2018 and 2022, according to a report released by the Environment Ministry. This increase reflects positive developments in the conservation efforts for these magnificent big cats.

Regional Distribution of Leopard Numbers

The report highlights that Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of leopards, with 3,907 individuals. Additionally, three other states, namely Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, reported populations exceeding 1,000 leopards each. These numbers underscore the importance of these regions as crucial habitats for leopards in India.

Challenges Faced by Leopard Populations

While the overall population has shown an encouraging increase, Uttarakhand witnessed a decline of 22% in its leopard population. This decrease is attributed to a combination of factors, including poaching and human-wildlife conflicts. On the other hand, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal observed a collective rise of 150%, accounting for a total of 349 leopards. Understanding the reasons behind these regional variations is crucial for effective conservation strategies.

Survey Methodology and Scope

The survey covered 20 states across India, focusing on approximately 70% of the leopards' expected habitat, which includes tiger reserves and protected forest areas. Unlike tigers, leopards demonstrate a higher adaptability to various environments, often found in villages and even cities. Their adaptability, however, can also lead to conflicts with humans, resulting in increased mortality rates.

Conservation Efforts and Impact

Qamar Qureshi, a wildlife expert from the Wildlife Institute of India and one of the report's authors, emphasizes the importance of conserving tiger reserves, as they play a significant role in safeguarding leopard habitats. Approximately one-third of the leopard population resides within protected areas. However, the report suggests that the growth rate of leopards is minimal compared to tigers, indicating that human activities in multiple-use areas are likely impacting the leopard population.

Regional Variations in Population Growth

The report provides insights into the growth patterns of leopards in different regions of India. While the Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains experienced a decline of 3.4% per year, Central India, the Eastern Ghats, the Western Ghats, and the hills of the northeast witnessed growth rates of 1.5%, 1%, and 1.3% per annum, respectively. This data helps identify areas where conservation efforts need to be intensified and supports the formulation of region-specific strategies.

Addressing Challenges for Sustainable Conservation

The decline in leopard numbers in the Ramnagar forest division of Uttarakhand, despite the significant growth in tiger numbers, indicates the complexity of managing diverse wildlife populations. It is essential to strike a balance between conservation efforts and addressing the concerns of local communities to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

Survey Methodology and Data Collection

Forest surveyors traveled an impressive 6,41,449 km to identify carnivore signs and estimate prey abundance. Camera traps were deployed at 32,803 locations, capturing a staggering 4,70,81,881 photographs. These comprehensive efforts provide invaluable data for understanding leopard populations and their distribution across InIndia

The increase of 8% in India's leopard population from 2018 to 2022 is a positive development in the realm of wildlife conservation. However, challenges such as human-wildlife conflicts and poaching require continuous efforts to ensure the long-term survival of these majestic creatures. Strengthening conservation measures, promoting coexistence between humans and leopards, and enhancing awareness are vital steps towards preserving India's rich biodiversity for future generations.