#Odisha

Odisha’s First State-Sponsored Leopard Census Reveals Presence of 696 Leopards

The Odisha Forest Department has revealed the results of the state’s first-ever leopard census, identifying a total of 696 leopards across various forest regions in the state. The census report, titled the ‘All Odisha Leopard Estimation’, was released on Thursday as part of the State Wildlife Week celebrations.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Susanta Nanda, shared key insights from the census, highlighting that around 200 leopards were found in and around the Similipal Tiger Reserve, which houses the highest concentration of the species in Odisha.

Conducted under the guidance of the Odisha Forest Department, the census marks a significant step in understanding the distribution of leopards in the state’s forests. Officials emphasized that the data would be crucial in shaping future conservation strategies, ensuring the protection and growth of the leopard population.

This initiative is part of the state’s broader wildlife conservation efforts, which also align with the national agenda of preserving India’s biodiversity. The Odisha government hopes that such efforts will not only safeguard the state’s wildlife but also raise awareness about the importance of conservation among the public.

Conservation Efforts Continue

Odisha’s rich biodiversity is home to various endangered species, and authorities have been working diligently to protect these habitats. “We are committed to preserving wildlife, and the leopard census will help us devise better management plans for their conservation,” Nanda stated during the event.

In addition to Similipal, other forest areas such as the Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary were key focus points in the census.

The Forest Department plans to utilize these findings to strengthen anti-poaching measures and monitor wildlife corridors that are essential for the movement and survival of leopards.

As part of the ongoing Wildlife Week celebrations, Odisha is also conducting various awareness programs, aiming to engage local communities in conservation efforts.

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