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Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park Hosts One of the World’s Densest Leopard Populations

A new census confirms 54 leopards thriving in urban green spaces, demonstrating long-term survival and adaptability in a metropolitan landscape.

36 leopardess, 16 leopards, and 2 more whose gender could not be identified, were recorded through cameras deployed in the forest.
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Overview

  • The camera-trap survey, conducted from February to June 2024, identified 54 leopards in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and its adjoining landscapes, including Aarey Milk Colony and Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • The census revealed a breakdown of 36 female leopards, 16 males, two undetermined individuals, and four cubs, highlighting a robust population structure.
  • Three female leopards first documented in 2015 were re-captured in 2024, showcasing nine years of survival within the urban park.
  • A male leopard demonstrated remarkable adaptability by traveling 9 km across human settlements and infrastructure to reach Vasai Fort.
  • Over 50 forest department staff were trained in camera-trap monitoring techniques, ensuring sustainable, locally driven conservation efforts.