ODISHA'S FIRST LEOPARD CENSUS REVEALS 696 LEOPARDS, SIMILIPAL AND SATKOSIA EMERGE AT TOP HABITATS ACROSS THE STATE.

ODISHA'S FIRST LEOPARD CENSUS REVEALS 696 LEOPARDS, SIMILIPAL AND SATKOSIA EMERGE AT TOP HABITATS ACROSS THE STATE. Odisha's first state-sponsored leopard census revealed the presence of 696 leopards across various forest areas. Released during the State Wildlife Week celebrations, the report highlighted that around 200 leopards were found in Similipal Tiger Reserve Area, with Satkosia boasting the second-highest population of 150 leopards. The census also recorded 70-80 leopards in Hirakud, Redhakhol, and Sambalpur, and 40 in Sunabeda and Khariar forests. Remarkably, 45% of the leopard population resides outside protected areas, with significant numbers in territorial forest divisions. The survey, conducted in 47 forest divisions, utilized camera traps and tracking signs like pugmarks and scat. This census follows the National Tiger Conservation Authority's 2022 report, which recorded 568 leopards. Additionally, the State recently conducted its first tiger estimation, covering 47 forest divisions from October 2023 to February 2024. The survey revealed 30 tigers and eight cubs, with 27 Royal Bengal Tigers located in Similipal Tiger Reserve, where 13 adult tigers were identified as pseudo-melanistic. Stay Tuned For More Updates 🔔.