First ever leopard census in India shows impressive numbers

The very first leopard count in India has shown impressive numbers putting the population of the spotted cats at 7,910. The figure excludes the northeastern region of India. 

The leopard count was conducted in a similar manner as the usual tiger count where pictures of the leopards were captured using camera-trapping and other evidences were gathered showing evidence of their presence. After this, the numbers are extrapolated to cover the entire forest landscape. The count was conducted along with the tiger census last year and includes the regions in and around habitat across India. 

Lead scientist of the tiger census, who presented the leopard figures at Wildlife Institute of India's annual research seminar in Dehradun last week, Yadvendradev V Jhala said, ""There are leopards outside the areas we covered. Based on these numbers, we estimate India's total leopard population to be in the range of 12,000 to 14,000."

Jhala further said, "Most of the leopard populations are contiguous, ensuring a healthy genetic exchange. So, leopards do not face the problems of isolated populations that plague Indian tigers..There's an impression that leopards are everywhere. That's not the case. Leopards need a protected patch of forest to occur in the vicinity. They aren't found in purely agricultural stretches" a leading daily reported. ​