- The Maharashtra Government has decided to sterilize Leopards for the sustainable
management of population for leopards in the State. - Gujarat’s forest department has also proposed sterilisation of leopards, especially in and
around Gir National Park. - In 2019-20 alone, Maharashtra saw 58 human deaths due to leopards—over half the 97
casualties in 2010-18. - Maharashtra has decided to sterilize leopards as a response to the increasing leopardhuman conflicts, rising leopard population, and the need to protect both leopards and
human communities. - The proposed sterilisation program aims to address these challenges while complying
with environmental conservation laws and regulations. - Concerns about the sterilisation of leopards include doubts about its effectiveness, the
need for comprehensive scientific research, veterinary skill development, potential
stress on leopards, challenges with traditional methods, and alternative contraception
options. - There is also an emphasis on addressing conflicts and gaining community support for
conservation efforts.
Leopards - Scientific Name: Panthera pardus
- The leopard is the smallest of the Big Cats (Of genus Panthera namely the Tiger, Lion,
Jaguar, Leopard, and Snow Leopard), and known for its ability to adapt in a variety of
habitats. - A nocturnal animal, the leopard hunts by night.
- It feeds on smaller species of herbivores found in its range, such as the chital, hog deer
and wild boar. - Melanism is a common occurrence in leopards, wherein the entire skin of the animal is
black in colour, including its spots. - A melanistic leopard is often called black panther and mistakenly thought to be a
different species.
Conservation Status: - IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix-I
- Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule-I
