The recent wildlife census conducted by the state forest department has found at least 54 leopards in and around Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).
The survey, conducted between February and June 2024, used camera traps set at 90 locations covering Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Aarey Milk Colony and Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
The study, conducted by Wildlife Conservation Society-India and Maharashtra Forest Department in collaboration with WeWork India, found 36 female and 16 male leopards, along with four cubs, the sex of two of which could not be determined.
Over 50 forest department personnel were involved in the effort. They had received special training to enhance their wildlife observation skills. This collaborative initiative reflects the growing awareness and efforts to conserve biodiversity even in urban areas.
SGNP is unique in being one of the few national parks of the world located in a congested metropolitan area. Aarey Milk Colony, declared a protected forest during the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government, serves as an important buffer zone and wildlife corridor.
A senior official noted that "this confirmation in leopard numbers shows that with appropriate conservation policies, big cats can coexist with humans," the report said.
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