Leopard Census

• 05 May 2025

Why in News? 

The Maharashtra forest department has released the latest leopard census, revealing at least 54 leopards within the park and its surrounding areas.  

 Key Points 

• Camera-Trap Survey: 
  • The Wildlife Conservation Society India, in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department and support from WeWork India Management Limited, led a large-scale camera-trap survey. 
  • The survey covered Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Aarey Milk Colony, and Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWLS). 
• Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) 
  • About:  
    • SGNP, formerly known as Borivali National Park, is a major protected green space located near Borivali in northern Mumbai. 
    • The park spans both the Thane District and Mumbai Suburban District in Maharashtra. 
    • With a spread of 103 square kilometres, it ranks among the largest national parks located within a metropolitan city. 
  • Natural Richness and Biodiversity: 
    • SGNP is known for its dense forests, rich birdlife, diverse butterfly species, and even a small population of tigers. 
    • The park is home to a variety of trees such as Kadamba, Teak, Karanj, Shisham, and other species including Acacia, Ziziphus, and Euphorbias. 
  • Wildlife in SGNP: 
    • SGNP supports a wide range of mammals, including mongoose, four-horned antelope, sambar, wild boar, langur, monkey, and panthers. 
    • Other notable species include the Atlas moth and Magar (mugger crocodile). 
    • The park records 251 bird species and hosts a large variety of butterflies. 
  • Historical and Cultural Significance: 
    • At the heart of the park lie the Kanheri Caves, carved between the 9th and 1st centuries BCE by Buddhist monks. 
    • These caves served as a major Buddhist learning centre and pilgrimage site, sculpted from a basaltic rock outcrop. 
• Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary: 
  • About: 
    • Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, approximately 75 km from Mumbai. 
    • The sanctuary covers an area of 85 square kilometres, largely consisting of hilly terrain. 
  • Ecological Significance: 
    • It serves as an important wildlife corridor connecting Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary, supporting animal movement and genetic diversity. 
    • The landscape includes dense forests, rolling hills, and several streams and small rivers. 
  • Vegetation and Flora: 
    • The sanctuary’s vegetation is a unique mix of Dry Deciduous, Moist Deciduous, and Semi-Evergreen forests. 
    • Prominent tree species include teak, bamboo, and mango. 
  • Wildlife and Birdlife: 
    • Frequently sighted mammals include leopards, wild boars, barking deer, langurs, bonnet macaques, rhesus macaques, and black-naped hares. 
    • The sanctuary is rich in bird diversity, hosting species such as the Crested Serpent-eagle, Jungle Owlet, White-eyed Buzzard, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Emerald Dove, and Heart-spotted Woodpecker. 
  • Cultural and Religious Importance: 
    • Tungareshwar is home to several ancient temples, the most notable being the Tungareshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracting pilgrims and trekkers alike. 

 Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India 

• WCS-India is a Section 25 (association having objects to promote commerce, art, science, religion, charity or any other useful purpose and not having any profit motive) non-profit organization in India, demonstrates a strong commitment to conservation. 
• It operates in full compliance with Indian regulations, emphasizing its dedication to preserving the country's natural environment and its rich biodiversity.