Why in the News?
South India’s first and the country’s largest leopard safari was inaugurated at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP).
About Bannerghatta Biological Park
- BBP is located near Bangalore and was established in 2002.
- It spans an area of approximately 731.88 hectares, situated within the larger Bannerghatta National Park, which covers around 25,000 acres.
- The park was created to facilitate the conservation of wildlife, promote tourism, and educate the public about wildlife and conservation efforts.
- River Suvarnamukhi stream, the main source of water for the animals of the park, runs through the centre of the park.
|
Leopards in India
- The Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is a leopard subspecies widely distributed on the Indian subcontinent.
- These are the smallest of the big cats.
- They are known for their ability to adapt to a variety of habitats.
- They are strong and agile predators that can climb trees and drag their prey up for safety.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
Do you know?
As per, Status of Leopards in India Report, 2022:
- India’s leopard population is estimated at 13,874 individuals.
- Madhya Pradesh houses the largest population of leopards in the country – 3907 (2018: 3421), followed by Maharashtra (2022: 1985; 2018: 1,690), Karnataka (2022: 1,879 ; 2018: 1,783) and Tamil Nadu (2022: 1,070; 2018: 868).
|
PYQ:
[2012] Consider the following:
- Black-necked crane
- Cheetah
- Flying squirrel
- Snow leopard
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
