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India Today
06-05-2025
- General
- India Today
What 54 leopards thriving in Mumbai's green lung means
In a fascinating insight into the ecology and avifauna of Mumbai's largest green lung, a survey has found the presence of 54 leopards in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). This is an increase from the 47 leopards detected in a 2018 survey. Located on the northern fringe of Mumbai, the SGNP, or the Borivali National Park as it is also referred to, is the largest such park within city limits in the world. The national park division is spread over an area of 198.34 sq km (including the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary), spanning parts of the Mumbai (suburban), Palghar and Thane districts. It also houses the Buddhist-era Kanheri Caves, which date back to between the first century BC and ninth century AD, and the Tulsi and Vihar lakes, which supply water to Mumbai. The survey was conducted using camera traps at 90 locations in SGNP, Aarey Milk Colony and Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, from February to June 2024, by the Maharashtra forest department and the Wildlife Conservation Society India. The project was funded by the forest department, WeWork India Management Limited and Wildlife Conservation Society India. The survey, results of which have been released, has identified 54 individual leopards—36 females, 16 males and two unidentified individuals. Three female leopards who were first photo-captured in 2015 were re-captured in 2024, indicating their survival in the habitat. The SGNP houses many endangered species, and its flora and fauna include free-ranging leopards, 170 butterfly species, two dozen species of ants, 274 birds, including migratory birds, and captive tigers and lions. 'The continued presence of these magnificent leopards in such a densely populated urban region speaks volumes about nature's resilience—and the importance of conserving the green spaces they depend on. Scientific monitoring exercises like this one are vital for understanding the status of our wildlife and planning informed conservation actions,' said Anita Patil, conservator of forests, and field director, SGNP. D. Stalin of the NGO Vanashakti said that while the presence of 54 leopards was a good sign, it also pointed to a need to expand the habitat. 'It is a good sign, but it emphasises on the need for these wild cats to get more space as they are territorial animals. Otherwise, they will get into conflict with humans,' he noted. Stalin pointed to how the SGNP lacked corridors for the leopards to disperse. Subscribe to India Today Magazine
Hans India
04-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
54 leopards in Mumbai forests credited for highest density in world
A survey by Wildlife Conservation Society-India and the Maharashtra Forest Department has confirmed the presence of at least 54 leopards in Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and adjoining landscapes, an official statement said on Sunday. The release of the findings on May 3 - World Leopard Day - confirms one of the highest leopard densities recorded anywhere in the world. The survey, conducted between February and June 2024, spanned SGNP, Aarey Milk Colony, and the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWLS). Anita Patil, Conservator of Forests & Park, Director, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, said: "The continued presence of these magnificent leopards in such a densely populated urban region speaks volumes about nature's resilience and the importance of conserving the green spaces they depend on." "Scientific monitoring exercises like this are vital for understanding the status of our wildlife and planning informed conservation actions," said Patil. Teams deployed camera traps at 57 locations in SGNP and 33 locations in TWLS. Forest Department staff were closely involved throughout, with specialised training sessions conducted to build their capacity in The project was funded and supported by the Maharashtra Forest Department, among others. In SGNP and Aarey Milk Colony, 54 individual leopards were identified, including 36 females, 16 males, and 2 undetermined individuals. Four leopard cubs were documented during the survey. In TWLS, three adult male leopards were identified. Remarkably, three female leopards first photo-captured in 2015 were re-captured again in 2024, demonstrating over nine years of survival within SGNP, said the statement. Camera traps also recorded a rich diversity of mammals including chital, sambar, jungle cats, and palm civets and rare finds like mouse deer and rusty spotted cats, it said. During the exercise, a significant incident highlighted the challenges faced by Mumbai's leopards in navigating an increasingly urbanised landscape. "A male leopard, initially photographed inside TWLS, travelled approximately 9 km across dense human settlements, major highways, and railway lines to reach Vasai Fort -- a testament to the adaptability and resilience of these big cats," said the statement. Beyond research, the project also emphasised capacity building, training more than 50 Forest Department staff in field deployment techniques, ensuring that future monitoring efforts will continue to be community-driven and locally sustained, it said.
