149 leopards died in Madhya Pradesh in 14 months; accidents major cause

A total of 149 leopards died in Madhya Pradesh over the 14 months starting January last year, with accidents accounting for the highest number of fatalities, according to data provided in response to a Right to Information query.

While activist Ajay Dube, who filed the RTI application, said the figures portray a “grim reality”, the Forest Department said efforts are being made to reduce deaths. It also said that a mortality rate of 4% was well within the accepted range for big cats.

According to the ‘Status of Leopards in India 2022’ report released in February 2024, Madhya Pradesh has the highest leopard population in the country at 3,907, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka. The state had reported 3,421 leopards in 2018.