The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the Status of Leopards in India 2022 report. The survey covered 20 states, accounting for approximately 70% of the leopard’s expected habitat in India.
Overall Population Trends
National Population Estimate
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- India’s leopard population increased from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022, an 8% rise.
- 65% of the leopard population is found outside protected areas in the Shivalik landscape.
- Only one-third of the leopards are within protected areas.
Regional Variations
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- Central India: Stable or slightly growing population (2018: 8,071; 2022: 8,820)
- Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains: Decline in population (2018: 1,253; 2022: 1,109)
- 3.4% annual decline in Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains
- Largest growth rate of 1.5% in Central India and Eastern Ghats
State-wise Distribution
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- Madhya Pradesh has the highest leopard population (3,907), followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
- Odisha: Significant decline from 760 in 2018 to 562 in 2022
- Uttarakhand: Population decreased from 839 in 2018 to 652 in 2022
- Kerala, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Goa also reported declines.
Impact of Tiger Conservation on Leopards
- The Central India and Eastern Ghats landscape, which harbors the largest leopard population, has benefited from protective measures under tiger conservation initiatives.
- Leopard densities are higher in Tiger Reserves compared to areas outside Protected Areas, despite competition from tigers.
Threats to Leopard Populations
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
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- Leopard habitats are increasingly threatened by mining and other human activities.
- Fragmentation of landscapes hinders connectivity between leopard populations.
Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade
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- Leopards are targeted for their skins and body parts.
- Between 2018 and 2023, Odisha reported the seizure of 59 leopard skins from wildlife smugglers.
Human-Leopard Conflict
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- As leopard habitats shrink and prey populations decline, leopards are forced to venture into human settlements.
- Livestock depredation and attacks on humans lead to retaliatory killings of leopards.
Roadkills and Accidents
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- Roads passing through leopard habitats pose a significant threat.
- Vehicle collisions are a major cause of leopard mortality.
State-wise Leopard Population Estimates
| State | 2018 Estimate | 2022 Estimate | Percentage Change |
| Madhya Pradesh | 3,421 | 3,907 | +14.2% |
| Maharashtra | 1,690 | 1,823 | +7.9% |
| Karnataka | 1,783 | 1,691 | -5.2% |
| Tamil Nadu | 868 | 1,014 | +16.8% |
| Uttarakhand | 839 | 652 | -22.3% |
| Odisha | 760 | 562 | -26.1% |
Conservation Efforts and Way Forward
Strengthening Protected Area Network
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- Expand and connect protected areas to maintain viable leopard populations.
- Ensure effective management and monitoring of leopard habitats.
Mitigating Human-Leopard Conflict
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- Implement proactive measures such as predator-proof enclosures for livestock.
- Promote community-based conservation initiatives and awareness programs.
- Provide swift and adequate compensation for livestock losses and human injuries/fatalities.
Combating Poaching and Illegal Trade
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- Strengthen law enforcement and intelligence networks to dismantle poaching syndicates.
- Collaborate with international agencies to tackle cross-border wildlife trafficking.
- Enhance capacity building and training for forest staff and law enforcement agencies.
Research and Monitoring
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- Conduct long-term ecological studies to understand leopard population dynamics and habitat requirements.
- Use advanced technologies such as camera traps and GPS collars for effective monitoring.
- Develop a centralized database for leopard population and conflict records.
The Status of Leopards in India 2022 report highlights the mixed trends in the country’s leopard population. While there has been an overall increase, regional variations and state-specific declines are cause for concern. The report underscores the importance of habitat protection, conflict mitigation, and anti-poaching measures. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of India’s leopards. By addressing the identified threats and implementing targeted conservation strategies, India can secure a future for these magnificent big cats in the country’s diverse landscapes.