Odisha's Stealthy Residents: A Detailed Leopard Census Unveiled

Odisha's first state-sponsored leopard census reports 696 leopards in its forests. Similipal Tiger Reserve leads with around 200 leopards, followed by 150 in Satkosia. Conducted in 47 forest divisions, signs like pugmarks and camera traps were used to confirm presence, marking a slight increase from past counts.

In a groundbreaking move, Odisha conducted its first state-sponsored leopard census, uncovering 696 of these elusive big cats across the state's forests, as officially reported during the State Wildlife Week celebrations.

The Similipal Tiger Reserve emerged as a stronghold with 200 leopards, the highest in the state, while the Satkosia landscape followed closely with 150 leopards, according to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife, Susanta Nanda.

This comprehensive census identified leopards by tracking signs such as pugmarks and using camera traps across 47 divisions, revealing significant populations even outside protected areas. These efforts will align with the tiger census in coming years.

(With inputs from agencies.)