After a gap of almost eight years, a leopard census has begun in the forest areas of Gujarat’s Dang district. The survey is being conducted using modern equipment and 80 teams have been deployed to carry out the task. According to an official, the last census was conducted in 2016, and the total number of leopards recorded was 43. However, it is expected that the number of leopards has increased since then.
The forest department has installed camera traps to keep track of the movements of the big cats. District Forest Officer (DFO) Dinesh Rabari said that teams have been deployed since last week from 5 pm to 6 am wherever there is a possibility of leopard movements.
A video posted by ANI showed officials setting up equipment at the forest premises for the survey. An official was seen fixing cameras on a plant’s stem and configuring the camera.
In April, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized the importance of protecting big cats and their habitats, saying it could lead to natural climate change adaptation, water, and food security for millions of people, and provide livelihoods and sustenance to forest communities. To this end, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) during an event commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger in Mysuru, Karnataka earlier this year. The IBCA aims to conserve seven big cats, including the leopard, tiger, lion, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.
The leopard is one of the seven major big cats in the world. The census in Gujarat’s Dang is a significant step towards ensuring the conservation of these magnificent animals and their habitats. With modern equipment and a dedicated team of professionals, the survey is expected to provide valuable insights into the current leopard population in the region. The information collected will help in formulating conservation strategies and policies to protect these big cats and their habitats.
