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Current Status of Leopards in India [2024]
Status of Leopards in India
What Is the Current Status of Leopards in India?
The latest report on the Status of Leopards in India was released by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, on 29th February, 2024. This 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.
The current leopard population in India is estimated to be 13,874 individuals (range 12,616-15,132). This estimate represents 70% of leopard habitat in India, excluding the Himalayas and semi-arid areas which were not sampled. Compared to the 2018 estimate of 12,852 individuals in similar sampled areas, the population is considered stable with a slight growth rate of 1.08% per year.
Key Findings of Status of Leopards in India (Fifth Cycle 2024)
| Year | Estimated Leopard Population | Range | Annual Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 12,852 | 12,172 – 13,535 | – |
| 2022 | 13,874 | 12,616 – 15,132 | 1.08% per annum |
Regional Leopard Population Trends
| Region | 2018 Population | 2022 Population | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central India | 8,071 | 8,820 | 1.5% per annum |
| Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains | 1,253 | 1,109 | -3.4% per annum |
States with Highest Leopard Populations
| State | 2022 Population | 2018 Population |
|---|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh | 3,907 | 3,421 |
| Maharashtra | 1,985 | 1,690 |
| Karnataka | 1,879 | 1,783 |
| Tamil Nadu | 1,070 | 868 |
Tiger Reserves with Highest Leopard Populations
| Tiger Reserve | Location |
|---|---|
| Nagarajunasagar Srisailam TR | Andhra Pradesh |
| Panna TR | Madhya Pradesh |
| Satpura TR | Madhya Pradesh |
Methodology Highlights
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Survey Area | Forested habitats in 18 tiger states |
| Excluded Areas | Non-forested habitats, arid regions, high Himalayas above 2000 m |
| Foot Survey | 6,41,449 km |
| Camera Traps | 32,803 locations |
| Photographs Captured | 4,70,81,881 |
| Leopard Photo-captures | 85,488 |
How Has the Leopard Population Changed Over Time?
The 2018 all-India leopard population estimate was 12,852 (range 12,172-13,535) in sampled areas. The current 2024 estimate of 13,874 reflects a stable population trend in India. Central India shows a stable or slightly growing population from 8,071 in 2018 to 8,820 in 2024. However, the Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains have experienced a decline from 1,253 in 2018 to 1,109 in 2024.
Where Are Leopards Mainly Found in India?
Leopards occupy a wide variety of habitats including forests, scrublands, grasslands and human-dominated landscapes. In India, the central Indian landscape harbors the largest leopard population, followed by the Western Ghats.
Several Protected Areas serve as important leopard strongholds like Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh, Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh and Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. Leopards also thrive outside Protected Areas, hence conservation initiatives should target wider landscapes encompassing human-dominated areas.
Status of Protection of Leopard in India
The status of protection of the leopard in India includes several classifications and measures aimed at conserving this species. Here is a table summarizing the key protection statuses:
| Criteria | Status |
|---|---|
| IUCN Red List | Vulnerable |
| CITES | Appendix I |
| Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 | Schedule I |
What Are the Major Threats to Leopards in India?
The major threats to leopards in India include habitat loss, poaching, and conflict situations with humans.
Rapid land use changes for agriculture, infrastructure development and urbanization are fragmenting leopard habitats. Poaching for skins and other body parts catering to illegal wildlife trade poses a persistent threat. As habitats shrink, leopards are compelled to venture near human settlements resulting in increased conflict and retaliatory killings.
