Archive · 6 Jun 2025
Bengaluru Overtakes Mumbai with Rising Leopard Population
Bengaluru is home to more leopards than Mumbai, according to a new study.
Researchers used camera traps to count the big cats.
They found around 85 leopards in and around the city, more than Mumbai's count.
Most of the leopards are in Bannerghatta National Park, and the rest are in forests around the city.
The increase is possibly due to better habitat protection and a growing prey base.
Experts suggest protecting forests and creating protected areas to help humans and leopards live safely together.
Bengaluru now has around 85 leopards, surpassing Mumbai's documented 54.
A year-long study using camera traps documented the leopard population.
54 leopards were recorded within Bannerghatta National Park.
The remaining leopards are spread across forested areas in South, North, and East Bengaluru.
Researchers suggest protecting natural habitats and declaring conservation reserves.
- Who
- Holematthi Nature Foundation (HNF), led by Sanjay Gubbi and team.
- What
- A camera-trap survey revealed a rising leopard population in Bengaluru.
- When
- Survey conducted over a year.
- Where
- Bengaluru, including Bannerghatta National Park and surrounding forests.
- Why
- To assess the leopard population and inform conservation efforts.
Conservation Recommendations
Government Actions and Protection
Actions Impacting Leopard Population
Conservation Recommendations
Declare conservation reserves and safeguard wildlife corridors.
Government Actions and Protection
Government actions, such as strict protection, improved prey, and translocation have contributed to increased leopard numbers.
- Estimated Leopard Population
- 85
- Survey Lead
- Holematthi Nature Foundation (HNF)
- Survey Area
- 282 sq km
- Location with Highest Leopard Count
- Bengaluru
- Leopards in BNP
- 54
