Bengaluru is home to the big cats, and how
Dr Sanjay Gubbi
Bannerghatta National Park
A year-long scientific survey led by noted conservation biologistand his team at the Holématthi Nature Foundation (HNF) has revealed that the forests and scrublands surrounding Bengaluru host an estimated 80 to 85 wild leopards, the highest number recorded around any major Indian city.Of these, 54 were found withinand around 30 in nearby forests such as Turahalli, BM Kaval, UM Kaval, Roerich Estate, Hesaraghatta, and Sulikere. Bengaluru has now overtaken Mumbai's leopard numbers.The study recommends declaring key forest patches as Conservation Reserves and expanding protection efforts to safeguard biodiversity and wildlife corridors on the city's outskirts.
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