Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, May 4: In a remarkable revelation on World Leopard Day (May 3), a joint survey by Wildlife Conservation Society-India (WCS-India) and the Maharashtra Forest Department confirmed the presence of at least 54 leopards in Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and its adjoining green belts, including Aarey Milk Colony and Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWLS).
The study, conducted between February and June 2024, has established SGNP as one of the densest leopard habitats in the world an exceptional phenomenon considering the park is nestled within one of India’s busiest metropolitan regions.
Anita Patil, conservator of Forests and director of SGNP, Borivali, stated, “The continued presence of these magnificent leopards in an urban landscape highlights nature's resilience and underscores the need to conserve such vital green spaces.”
As per the survey, camera traps captured images of 36 female, 16 male, and two unidentified adult leopards, along with four cubs in SGNP and Aarey. Three additional adult males were identified in TWLS. In a unique finding, three female leopards first photo-captured in 2015 were spotted again in 2024 a testimony to the longevity and survival of these elusive big cats in urban jungles.
Camera traps were deployed at 57 locations in SGNP and 33 in TWLS, with trained forest staff playing a central role in the exercise. The project also focused on strengthening field monitoring skills by training over 50 forest department personnel.
The survey also recorded a rich diversity of wildlife, including chital, sambar, jungle cats, palm civets, and rare species such as mouse deer and rusty spotted cats. One male leopard was tracked travelling nearly 9 km through densely populated areas, highways, and railway lines to reach Vasai Fort, demonstrating the species’ adaptability in navigating urban landscapes.
Officials noted that these scientific monitoring exercises are vital for shaping informed conservation policies and reaffirm the importance of urban biodiversity.