Context:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has released a report on the Status of Leopards in India 2022. The comprehensive survey covered 20 states, focusing on approximately 70% of the leopards’ expected habitat.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Establishment of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
- Key Highlights of the Report on Leopard Status in India 2022
Establishment of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
- In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, the Union Government has approved the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). The headquarters will be in India, receiving a one-time budgetary support of Rs.150 crore for a five-year period from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
About International Big Cat Alliance:
- It aims to strengthen global cooperation and efforts for conservation of seven big cat species and their habitats.
Objective:
- IBCA aims for mutual cooperation among countries for mutual benefit in furthering the conservation agenda.
- IBCA would have a multipronged approach in broad basing and establishing linkages manifold in several areas and help in knowledge sharing, capacity building, networking, advocacy, finance and resources support, research and technical support, education and awareness.
Members:
- The International Big Cat Alliance has been conceived as a multi-country, multi-agency coalition of 96 big cat range countries,
- Non-range countries interested in big cat conservation
- Conservation partners and scientific organizations working in the field of big cat conservation
- Business groups and corporates willing to contribute to the cause of big cats
- Seven big cats include Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar and the Cheetah out of these five big cats viz. Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard and Cheetah are found in India.
Key Highlights of the Report on Leopard Status in India 2022:
Population Growth:
- India’s leopard population increased by 8% from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022.
Distribution Outside Protected Areas:
- Approximately 65% of leopards are found outside protected areas in the Shivalik landscape.
- Only one-third of leopards reside within protected areas.
Shivalik Landscape Decline:
- Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains experienced a decline from 1,253 in 2018 to 1,109 in 2022.
- The region faces a 3.4% annual decline, contrasting with Central India and Eastern Ghats, which showed a 1.5% growth rate.
Regional Leopard Population:
- Madhya Pradesh has the highest leopard count (3,907), followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
- Odisha and Uttarakhand experienced declines from 2018 to 2022.
Population Declines:
- Kerala, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Goa reported leopard population declines.
Landscape Impact on Population:
- Central India and Eastern Ghats landscape houses the largest growing leopard population due to tiger conservation efforts.
Density Variation:
- Leopard densities are higher in Tiger Reserves compared to areas outside Protected Areas, despite tiger regulatory pressure.
Common Threats:
- Poaching threats for bush meat and tiger/leopard skins.
- Habitat loss due to mining and human activities.
Incidents in Odisha:
- Seizure of 59 leopard skins from wildlife smugglers in Odisha between 2018 and 2023.
Road Accidents:
- Road accidents significantly contribute to leopard fatalities.
-Source: Indian Express
