Only 145 leopards sighted in Northeast; human beings destroying habitats

GUWAHATI: Only 145 leopards have been sighted in the North East during the recent photo-captured survey conducted by the Centre.

Experts have attributed this to the rapid loss of natural habitats of leopards due to human encroachment and other activities. Pointing out that Guwahati has witnessed man-leopard conflicts in recent years; they said that with the habitat of leopards shrinking due to encroachments, the conflict has taken an alarming proportion. The tea gardens in the State are also witnessing such conflicts and many leopards have been mercilessly killed by people.

The 'Status of Leopards Report' prepared by the Centre has said that the leopard population in North East has been estimated due to sampling inadequacy (not sighted in cameras trapped in various natural habitats of the animal). The report further said that the country has 12,852 leopards as compared to the previous estimate of 7,910 conducted in 2014. More than 60% increase in its population has been recorded in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

The report also said that despite their widespread distribution, leopard habitats are being increasingly fragmented. Such small fragmented areas with low densities of wild prey cannot harbour a sizeable population of leopards. As a result, leopards are venturing out into the human-dominated landscapes and this leads to conflicts.

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