TV
The first-ever leopard census report has revealed that a total of 696 leopards are currently present in Odisha. The census has been independently conducted by the State Forest Department.
As per the earlier report published by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 2022, there were 568 leopards in Odisha. In comparison, the leopard population was recorded at 760 in 2018.
According to Odisha's Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), the census conducted by the NTCA in 2018 and 2022 was based on a statistical model. Cameras were installed only at limited places in Similipal and Satkosia.
However, during the individual census conducted by the State Forest Department, cameras were installed in as many as 47 divisions. While, 284 to 296 unique leopards were identified during the census this time, below hundred unique leopards were identified during the census carried out by NTCA.
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A maximum of 200 leopards was found in the Mayurbhanj-Keonjhar landscape under the Similipal tiger reserve during the latest census. Similarly, 150-160 leopards were found in Satkosia-Boudh and Athmallik landscapes and 70-80 leopards were tracked in the Hirakud-Rairakhol-Sambalpur landscape. Around 40-50 and 20 leopards were tracked in the Khariar-Sunabedha and Dhenkanal landscapes respectively.
As per Forest Department sources, the number of leopards in Odisha is less likely to increase as the State has dense cover of forest. Their number can increase maximum up to 700-800.
