Bhubaneswar (SunstarTV Bureau): The population of leopard in India has increased by 60 per cent, which makes total number 12,852 according to a government report released on Monday.
The ‘Status of Leopard in India 2018’ report, released by Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, said that India now has 12,852 leopards.
“More than 60 per cent increase in population has been recorded over the previous estimate which was conducted in 2014,” Javadekar further added.
He also congratulated the states which have the highest number of leopards.
“Congratulations to the States of Madhya Pradesh (3,421), Karnataka (1783) and Maharashtra (1690) who have recorded the highest leopard estimates. Increase in Tiger, Lion & Leopards population over the last few years is a testimony to fledgling wildlife & biodiversity,” Javadekar took to Twitter.
Released the “Status of Leopard in India 2018” report.
Happy to announce that, India now has 12,852 leopards. More than 60% increase in population has been recorded over the previous estimate which was conducted in 2014. pic.twitter.com/k6I3o0Kg9h
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) December 21, 2020
Notably, Leopards are among the most adaptable carnivores, and are known to exist very close to human habitations.
A study earlier this year had found four distinct sub-populations of leopards in India with high genetic variations – leopards of the Western Ghats, the Deccan Plateau semi-arid region, the Shivalik mountains, and the Terai region in North India.
