Bengaluru Surpasses Mumbai as India's Leopard Capital with 80-85 Wild Leopards
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Event | Bengaluru declared 'Leopard Capital' of India, surpassing Mumbai in wild leopard numbers. |
| Survey Details | Conducted by Holematthi Nature Foundation (HNF), led by Dr. Sanjay Gubbi (2024-2025). |
| Estimated Leopards | 80-85 leopards in Bengaluru's fringes; 54 in Bannerghatta National Park (BNP). |
| Survey Area | 282 sq km surveyed using 250+ camera traps. |
| Key Zones | Turahalli, B.M. Kaval, U.M. Kaval, Roerich Estate, Gollahalli Gudda, Sulikere, etc. |
| Ecological Findings | 34 mammal species documented; 8 IUCN-listed species (4 Endangered, 4 Near Threatened). |
| Legal Protections | 22 species under Schedule I, 5 under Schedule II of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. |
| Reasons for Increase | Stricter protections in BNP, improved prey, coexistence with communities, past translocations. |
| Conservation Proposals | Declare B.M. Kaval, U.M. Kaval, Roerich Estate, Gollahalli Gudda as Conservation Reserves. |
| Significance | Bengaluru's biodiversity thrives despite urbanisation, showcasing human-wildlife coexistence. |