India's leopard population increased by 8% from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022, as per the Environment Ministry's report.
Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of leopards (3,907), followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, each with over 1,000 animals.
However, Uttarakhand saw a 22% decline due to poaching and conflict, while Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal collectively witnessed a 150% rise to 349 animals.
The survey encompassed 20 states, focusing on 70% of their habitat, predominantly tiger reserves and protected forests.
Leopards, unlike tigers, are highly adaptable, often found in villages and cities, contributing to human-wildlife conflict and higher mortality rates.