7 States of India with Highest Leopard Mortality In 2018
As per Wildlife Protection Society of India, There are 460 leopard deaths in India which is the highest mortality rate in 2018. The country is loosing the big cat species due the various incidents of poaching, Roadkill and Human wildlife conflict.
Below is the list Indian states with highest number of leopards mortality by Poaching, road accidents, killed in rescue operation, found dead due to diseases, leopards were killed by villagers and killed by the forest department considered man-eaters, Seriously ? – Source.
Uttarakhand – 93 Deaths
The State of Uttarakhand is located in the Himalayas, the National Park and sanctuaries of Uttarakhand are home to 3 big cat species of India, Tiger, Leopard and Snow Leopard. Uttarakhand has highest rate of leopard mortality in 2018, followed by Maharashtra. The state has long history of Human Leopard conflict with man eating Leopard of Rudraprayag and man eaters of Kumaon Bengal tigers and Indian leopards.
Maharashtra – 90 Deaths
The state of Maharashtra is home to many rare species of fauna, reported more leopard deaths in 2018. On an average 10 Indian leopards have died every month in Maharashtra due to vehicle hits roadkill, poaching and the feline falling in open wells.
Recently a Buddhist monk has been killed by a leopard but at least 18 leopards were found dead in Maharashtra in the first 3 month of 2018, absolutely alarming. Sanjay Gandhi National park is home to a small population of leopards, living and existing within a metropolis city of Mumbai.
Rajasthan – 46 Deaths
Rajasthan state is famous for friendly nature of people and culture against the wildlife but still reported 46 deaths of Indian leopards. Jawai and Bera village near Jawai Dam granite hills host the high density of leopards in India, Rajasthan first in the country to launch project leopard in India and also the leopards of Bera living in harmony with humans.
Madhya Pradesh – 37 Deaths
Madhya Pradesh is home to largest number of Indian leopard population and they live in and around tiger habitat in several National Parks of central India. There are 10 national parks and 25 wildlife sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh park has a large breeding population of leopards.
Uttar Pradesh – 27 Deaths
Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state of India and has an abundance of natural resources. The rapid deforestation and poaching of wildlife causing the list of man animal conflict cases in the state. There are various reported cases of conflict from Uttar Pradesh where leopard burnt alive, leopard enters school, leopard caught in a trap, man eating leopard get killed.
Karnataka – 24 Deaths
The state of Karnataka has 5 famous national parks and 21 wildlife sanctuaries house rich diversity of flora and fauna. These forests of Karnataka is home to good elephant population, tiger population of India, Black Panther or Melanistic leopard as well as Indian leopard but due to the loss of habitat, elephants and leopards deaths like incident happening.
Himachal Pradesh – 23 Deaths
The Indian states of Himachal Pradesh experience the most severe human leopard conflict in the past along with states of Gujarat, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. Wildlife officials of the state confirms that there has been decline in leopards attacks on humans but still the big cat attacking human and shot dead by forest department,there are around 700 Leopards left in Himachal Pradesh.
Indian Leopard the beautiful species of big cats found in the Indian subcontinent and listed as Vulnerable. The majestic cat populations have declined due to poaching,illegal trade of skins, habitat loss and wildlife conflict.
