7.9% growth in leopard population in India: Report

New Delhi, February 29

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Central India shows 9.2 per cent growth in the number of leopards in the 2022 leopard status report released today. In 2018, the region housed 8,071 leopards and in 2022 the numbers soared to 8,820.

The report released by the Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav here said that India’s leopard population is estimated at 13,874 representing a stable population in comparison to the similar area being sampled in 2018 with 12,852.

Madhya Pradesh houses the largest population of leopards in the country at 3,907, a marginal increase in comparison to 3,421 leopards in 2018.

In Maharashtra, the leopards are 1,985 and in Karnataka 1,879. Tamil Nadu houses 1,070 leopards. Tiger reserves or sites with the highest leopard population are Nagarajunasagar Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh followed by Panna and Satpura in Madhya Pradesh.

Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains experienced decline in the number of leopards as the numbers dwindled from 1,253 in 2018 to 1,109 in 2022. “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.

The fifth cycle leopard population estimation was carried out by National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India, in collaboration with state Forest Departments.

The Himalayas and semi-arid parts of the country which are not tiger habitats were not sampled in the report.

“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,” Yadav said.

Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ashwini Kumar Choubey said, “India’s unique community tolerance toward wildlife serves as a global model amid biodiversity decline. Kudos to resilient communities, Forest Department, NTCA officials and Wildlife Institute of India scientists for uniting in conservation efforts, showcasing the power of collective action for a sustainable environment.”