Why in news?
- The leopard population in India has witnessed a significant increase over the period of 2018 to 2022.
- A report released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change highlights this growth.
- In 2018, the leopard count stood at 12,852.By the end of 2022, the number has risen to 13,874.
- This marks a remarkable increase of more than 1,000 leopards within just four years.
What is Leopards: Adaptability, Behavior, and Habitat?
- Leopards, scientifically known as Panthera pardus, hold a distinct place among the Big Cats, alongside the majestic Tiger, Lion, Jaguar, and Snow Leopard. Here’s a unique take on these fascinating creatures:
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About Leopards:
- Adaptability at its Finest: Despite being the smallest among the Big Cats, leopards are renowned for their remarkable adaptability, thriving in a diverse array of habitats.
- Masters of the Night: As nocturnal predators, leopards exhibit exceptional hunting prowess under the cover of darkness, making them formidable creatures of the night.
- Diverse Diet: Their diet primarily consists of smaller herbivores within their habitat range, such as chital, hog deer, and wild boar, showcasing their role as apex predators in their ecosystems.
- Mystique of Melanism: Among leopards, melanism—a genetic trait resulting in black fur with dark spots—is not uncommon. These melanistic leopards, often referred to as black panthers, are sometimes mistaken for a separate species due to their striking appearance.
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Habitat of Leopards:
- Global Presence: Leopards boast a wide geographical range, spanning from sub-Saharan Africa to small regions in Western and Central Asia, and extending across the Indian subcontinent to Southeast and East Asia.
- Indian Leopard: Particularly noteworthy is the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca), which holds a prominent position on the Indian subcontinent, showcasing the species’ adaptability to varied terrains and climates.
- With their adaptability, hunting prowess, and enigmatic allure, leopards continue to captivate and inspire awe across their vast habitats, embodying the essence of wilderness and resilience.
Leopard Population in India
- In recent years, the leopard population in India has seen significant growth, as highlighted in the ‘Status of Leopards in India, 2018’ report by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Here’s a detailed exploration of the population trends, threats, and conservation status:
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Population Growth:
- According to the report, there has been a remarkable 60% increase in the population count of leopards in India since 2014 estimates.
- In 2014, the estimated population of leopards stood at nearly 8,000. By 2018, this number had surged to 12,852, indicating a substantial rise in leopard numbers across the country.
- Notably, Madhya Pradesh emerges as the state with the largest leopard population, estimated at 3,421, followed by Karnataka with 1,783 and Maharashtra with 1,690 individuals.
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Threats to Leopards:
- Poaching: Despite conservation efforts, leopards continue to face threats from poaching, driven by the illegal trade of skins and body parts. This illicit trade poses a significant risk to the survival of these majestic felines.
- Habitat Loss and Fragmentation:Rapid urbanization, deforestation, and habitat fragmentation have resulted in the loss of critical leopard habitats. As human populations expand into leopard territories, conflicts often arise, further exacerbating the challenges faced by these animals.
- Human-Leopard Conflict: Encounters between leopards and humans are increasingly common, leading to conflicts over resources and territory. Such conflicts pose threats to both human communities and leopard populations.
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Conservation Status:
- UCN Red List: Leopards are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This designation reflects the significant threats and conservation challenges faced by leopard populations worldwide.
- CITES: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) lists leopards under Appendix-I, providing them with the highest level of protection against international trade.
- Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: In India, leopards are listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, offering legal protection against hunting, trade, and other forms of exploitation.
- Despite the challenges posed by human activities and conflicts, the increase in leopard populations in India underscores the importance of concerted conservation efforts. Through enhanced protection measures, habitat restoration, and community engagement, it is possible to secure a sustainable future for these iconic big cats in the Indian subcontinent.
People also ask
Q1: What is the current population of leopards in India?
Ans: According to the ‘Status of Leopards in India, 2018’ report by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, the leopard population in India was estimated at 12,852 individuals in 2018.
Q2: Which states in India have the largest leopard population?
Ans: Madhya Pradesh has the largest leopard population in India, with an estimated 3,421 individuals. This is followed by Karnataka with 1,783 leopards and Maharashtra with 1,690 individuals.
Q3: What are the main threats to leopard population in India?
Ans: The main threats to leopards in India include poaching for illegal trade, habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities such as deforestation and urbanization, and conflicts with humans over territory and resources.
