‘Spotted’: Leopards stray into Karnataka villages

No state in India has maintained a leopard-population estimate till date.

By Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Leopards are on the prowl once more, intruding into human habitats, killing cattle and pet dogs in urban and semi-urban areas. A few years ago, a leopard was tranquilised after it strayed into a school in Bengaluru. One was spotted prowling in residential area near Chamundi Hills was shot dead by police as it had injured people. Wildlife conservationist SANJAY GUBBI tells Shyam Sundar Vattam that learning to co-exist is key, as natural habitats are rapidly being lost.

Why has there been a sudden increase in the leopard population? Which are the leopard habitats in Karnataka?

SanjayGubbi: We cannot say that there is a sudden increase in leopard population as we do not have historical data. However, we can certainly say that after the implementation of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 there is a steady increase in population of many wildlife species including leopards. This is due to the protection offered for the species and its habitats. The rocky outcrops of the Deccan Plateau, forests of the Western Ghats are key leopard habitats in Karnataka.

Why do leopards stray into villages and attack cattle? Is it due to losing its natural habitat?

SG: Leopards enter human habitations looking for food, and some leopards do survive in areas of high human density. Our research in Karnataka clearly showed that loss of natural prey and habitat are the likely factors for humanleopard conflict.

What is the current population of leopards? In which districts are they found more? District-wise population, if available.

SG: Based on our research over a vast landscape, our estimate is that Karnataka hosts nearly 2,500 leopards with Chamarajanagar, Tumakuru, Ramanagara, Mandya, Chitradurga, Davanagere,Ballari and Koppala are important districts for leopard populations.

There have been instances of people killing leopards that strayed into villages. Are they man-eaters?

SG: Not all leopards that are killed due to retaliatory actions are man-eaters. Unfortunately many-a-time, they are killed due to fear and anxiety.

Is it true that Karnataka is the second state in the country to have a big population of leopards?

SG: As the species is widespread and the methodology to estimate actual numbers are time-consuming and resourceintensive, no state has been able to carry out state-wide leopard population estimation.

How many leopards have been killed so far in the State? Year-wise numbers, if available please?

SG: There are no such statistics available.

Are leopards shy by nature? Are the small hillocks the natural habits of leopards?

SG :Most leopards are shy by nature except those in a few select locations where tourism is extremely heavy (e.g.Jawai in Rajasthan). In the Deccan Plateau and in the Aravalis, rocky outcrops are extremely important natural habitats for leopards.

As an expert, what should the government do to protect leopards? Should they start the safari or the sanctuary in the State?

SG: Conserving their natural habitats and natural prey, especially outside the protected areas are two critical factors. In addition, bringing down human-leopard conflict to tolerable limits is very important to ensure leopard has a community support base. We proposed the KukwadiUbrani, Bhadrapura and surrounding forests in Bhadravathi and Chennagiri talukas to be notified as a dedicated leopard sanctuary as it has high leopard populations possibly one of the highest densities (11 leopards/100 sq km) in the world. This could provide a big boost for their conservation in the state. This area also has a good prey base including gaur, sambar, chital, four-horned antelope, barking deer and others.

In my opinion, establishing safaris (including for leopards) has very little positive impact on conservation of wildlife.

There was a proposal to have a leopard safari, has the plan been shelved?

SG: It is possible to set up in Bannerghatta Biological Park which is part of the zoo and not in Bannerghatta National Park.

What should be done to protect leopards before they go extinct?

SG: Though some subspecies of the leopard are critically endangered (e.g.Amur leopard) the leopard subspecies in India (Panthera pardus fusca) is faring quite well with >20,000 individuals. However, their future depends upon how people are willing to co-exist with them as their natural habitats, especially outside protected areas, are being lost at a rapid pace. It also depends on us if we are serious about protecting their habitats which are