The ‘EnviStats India-2024’ report, published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), presents crucial data regarding wildlife populations in India. This report is the 7th edition of the ‘EnviStats India: Environment Accounts’ series.
Leopard Population in India
- The report estimates India’s total leopard population to be approximately 13,874.
- Andhra Pradesh is home to about 569 leopards, with the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) hosting nearly 360 leopards.
Ranking of Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
- NSTR has been ranked first among India’s 55 tiger reserves for its leopard population.
- The leopard population in NSTR consists of:
- Approximately 270 leopards that have made NSTR their habitat.
- Around 90 leopards that move through the area.
Characteristics of Leopards
Leopards are the second-largest big cat species in the region, following tigers. Surveys conducted to estimate leopard populations differ from those of tigers and lions.
Distinguishing Male and Female Leopards
- Footprints are analyzed to differentiate between male and female leopards:
- Male footprints are typically squarer.
- Female footprints are usually more rectangular.
- Footprint sizes:
- Leopard footprints measure between 7 cm to 8 cm.
- Tiger footprints measure between 14 cm to 15 cm.
Geographic Details of NSTR
- The NSTR spans 1,401 square kilometers across the Prakasam, Nandyala, and Palnadu districts of Andhra Pradesh.
- The reserve is also home to more than 80 tigers.
Conservation Efforts
Forest officials are actively engaged in protecting the big cats by:
- Ensuring adequate food sources, such as deer and sambars, are available.
- Providing drinking water by filling saucer pits during the summer.
- Implementing fire prevention measures to safeguard the reserve.
An official from NSTR has noted that these efforts have significantly contributed to the increasing leopard population in the region.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the estimated total leopard population in India according to the EnviStats India-2024 report?
- A) 10,000
- B) 12,500
- C) 13,874
- D) 15,000
Answer: C) 13,874
- Which tiger reserve is ranked first in India for its leopard population?
- A) Jim Corbett National Park
- B) Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
- C) Bandhavgarh National Park
- D) Ranthambore National Park
Answer: B) Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
- How many leopards are estimated to be living in the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve?
- A) 270
- B) 360
- C) 569
- D) 450
Answer: B) 360
- What method do experts use to distinguish between male and female leopards?
- A) Color of the fur
- B) Size of the body
- C) Footprints
- D) Vocalization
Answer: C) Footprints
- Which of the following measures is NOT mentioned as part of the conservation efforts in NSTR?
- A) Providing drinking water
- B) Fire prevention measures
- C) Habitat destruction
- D) Ensuring food sources
Answer: C) Habitat destruction