Prelims: Environment (Species)- Indian Leopard
Mains: General Studies III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Why in the News ?
The recent surge in India’s leopard population has garnered attention, but what lies beneath the headline number reveals a more nuanced story.
Source: IE
Key Facts 🗝️
Conservation Concerns
Despite the uptick in numbers, leopards still face threats from poaching, underscoring the necessity for sustained conservation efforts.
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) designates leopards as “Vulnerable” due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal trade.
📌 FYI on Prelims
The National Survey’s Revelations
The 2022 national survey unveiled a remarkable increase in India’s leopard population, reaching 13,874, marking a substantial 75% rise from 2014’s estimate of 7,910.
Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s praise for this surge, the 2022 Status of Leopards in India report provides deeper insights into the actual findings.
Insights from the 2022 Report
Central India and Eastern Ghats emerge as the hotspots, hosting 8,820 leopards, followed by the Western Ghats (3,596), and the Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains (1,109).
Among states, Madhya Pradesh leads with 3,907 leopards, trailed by Maharashtra (1,985), Karnataka (1,879), and Tamil Nadu (1,070).
Wildlife experts caution against overly optimistic interpretations, emphasizing that the growth rate remains marginal compared to other species like tigers.
Understanding the Leopard
Indian leopards, scientifically known as Panthera pardus fusca, are crucial apex predators, maintaining ecosystem balance.
They inhabit a diverse range of forested habitats across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Pakistan.
Key Differentiations
It’s essential to distinguish between leopards and cheetahs, understanding their unique characteristics and habitats.
Additionally, recognizing the distinctions between African cheetahs and Asiatic cheetahs aids in understanding conservation challenges.
Ecological Significance
Leopards occupy a pivotal trophic level in the carnivore food chain, regulating prey populations and maintaining ecosystem health.
Their role as apex predators underscores the need for their conservation to preserve biodiversity.
Extinct, Extinct in the wild & Critically Endangered
Extinct
- Definition: A species is considered extinct when there are no known individuals of that species remaining.
- Example: The dodo bird, which became extinct in the 17th century due to human activity and habitat destruction.
Extinct in the Wild
- Definition: A species is classified as extinct in the wild when it only survives in captivity, with no remaining populations in its natural habitat.
- Example: The Scimitar-horned oryx, which is extinct in the wild due to hunting and habitat loss but survives in captive breeding programs.
Critically Endangered
- Definition: Species categorized as critically endangered face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
- Example: The Amur leopard, with less than 100 individuals remaining in the wild due to poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
Carnivore Food Chain
The carnivore food chain illustrates the flow of energy and nutrients among carnivorous animals within an ecosystem:
- Primary Carnivores: These are the top predators in the food chain, such as lions, tigers, and wolves, that primarily feed on herbivores.
- Secondary Carnivores: Animals that prey on primary carnivores or smaller carnivores for sustenance, forming the next level in the food chain.
- Tertiary Carnivores: The apex predators at the highest trophic level, feeding on both primary and secondary carnivores.
- Scavengers: Carnivores that primarily feed on dead animals, playing a crucial role in nutrient recycling within ecosystems.
- Decomposers: Organisms like bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter, including the remains of carnivores, into simpler substances for recycling in the ecosystem.
