Guwahati's Hidden Wildlife: A Comprehensive Study on Leopards
In a significant development for wildlife conservation in North East India, the first-ever leopard estimation exercise has been conducted in Guwahati using 200 infrared cameras. This groundbreaking study offers valuable insights into the leopard population and their habitats, shedding light on the coexistence of these majestic creatures with city life.
Mapping Leopard Habitats and Movement Patterns
The cameras were strategically placed in key forests, corridors, and fringe areas, including Adingiri, Gotanagar, Nilachal, Kharghuli, Hengerabari, Bhangagarh, and Garbhanga. Preliminary findings suggest a widespread leopard presence, with signs such as pugmarks, scent marks, scat, scratch marks, and rake marks detected at numerous locations.
Identifying Suitable Habitats
Analyses indicate that the most suitable habitats for leopards in Guwahati encompass areas of Fatasil Hill, Japorigog Hill, and the regions of Amchang Reserve Forest. The city has an additional 67.67 sq km of suitable areas for leopards to thrive, primarily in or around built-up regions, which are likely to have high human density.
Implications for Coexistence and Conservation
This study will generate essential data to better understand leopard movement patterns, which will strengthen science-based wildlife management and human-leopard coexistence. The findings underscore the importance of preserving and managing these suitable habitats, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between Guwahati's urban growth and its wild inhabitants.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Steps
The study was conducted under the Assam Project on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation-II, funded by AFD, and involved volunteers from various educational institutions such as Gauhati University, Pragjyotish College, Dakshin Kamrup College, and Cotton University. With the data collection phase complete, researchers will spend around a month compiling and analyzing the data to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Guwahati's leopard population.
This study sets a precedent for future scientific grid-based leopard estimation exercises in eastern India, offering a blueprint for coexistence and conservation efforts. As Guwahati continues to grow, it is crucial to ensure that its unique wildlife, such as the leopard, can thrive alongside its expanding urban landscape.