In a promising update on India's wildlife, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has unveiled the "Status of Leopards in India 2022" report, showcasing a substantial surge in leopard numbers over the past four years.

13,874 Leopards Recorded in 2022

The report reveals that the leopard population has experienced a notable uptick, jumping from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022. This marks an impressive increase of 1,022 leopards nationwide.

Rajasthan's Remarkable Rise

Particularly noteworthy is the state of Rajasthan, where 721 leopards have been documented in 4 Tiger Reserves and 4 Wildlife Sanctuaries. In 2018, the count stood at 476, showcasing a commendable surge of 245 leopards within the state.

Key Reserves and Sanctuaries

The report specifically highlights the conservation success in Sariska, Mukundra, Ram Vishadari, and Ranthambhore Tiger Reserves, as well as Kumbhalgarh, Bhainsrorgarh, Kaila Devi and Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuaries. Notably, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary alone has a count of 55 leopards.

It is essential to note that the report excludes leopards found in regional forest divisions. For instance, the 2022 census identified 56 leopards in Udaipur, a figure not incorporated into the overall count. This exclusion hints at the possibility of even more positive strides in leopard conservation. 

As India celebrates this conservation success, the report serves as a call to action, emphasizing the urgency of preserving and protecting leopard habitats against the backdrop of ongoing development activities. 

Leopard Found in Key Reserves and Sanctuaries

Source: Dainik Bhaskar