In an effort to raise awareness and celebrate the global leopard community, the Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) has unveiled a new portal devoted to these fascinating creatures. This significant development took place on International Leopard Day, May 3, 2023, during the Global Leopard Conference.
Understanding Leopards: A Profile
Leopards, scientifically known as Panthera pardus, are secretive and predominantly nocturnal beings. Their size and color patterns often vary, influenced heavily by their respective habitats. Recognized for their exceptional climbing skills, they often seek refuge in trees, using them not only as a hiding spot but also a place to stash their prey away from rivals.
Geographical Distribution of Leopards
As members of the feline family, leopards have a broad geographical range, spanning from Asia and sub-Saharan Africa to Southern Russia and the Indian subcontinent. The Indian leopard, Panthera pardus fusca, is extensively distributed across India.
Habitat Flexibility of Leopards
Compared to other large predators, leopards exhibit remarkable adaptability concerning their habitat preferences and dietary needs. They have been observed thriving in diverse habitats including agro-pastoral landscapes, plantations, and areas close to human settlements, both rural and urban.
Leopard Population in India
The ‘Status of leopards in India, 2018’ report released by MoEF&CC revealed a significant upsurge in India’s leopard population. From the 2014 estimate of approximately 8,000, the count jumped to 12,852 in 2018 – a 60% increase in four years. Madhya Pradesh boasts the largest number of leopards (3,421), followed closely by Karnataka (1,783) and Maharashtra (1,690).
Threats to the Leopard Population
Despite these positive trends, leopards face a multitude of threats including habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization, poaching for their valuable skin and bones, and escalating human-wildlife conflict.
Protection Status of Leopards
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies leopards as “Vulnerable”, while they are recognized under Appendix I in CITES. In India, they receive further protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
Human-Leopard Conflict in India
Certain areas in India are notorious hotspots for leopard-human conflict. These include Srinagar in the Kashmir Valley, the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam, Gir National Park in Gujarat, and the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve located in southern Tamil Nadu.
UPSC Civil Services Exam Questions on Leopards
For the aspirants of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, a Previous Year Question (2012) linked to leopards is: Consider the following: Black-necked crane, Cheetah, Flying squirrel, Snow leopard. Which of the above are naturally found in India? Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4. The answer is (b).
