Nagpur : Even as Maharashtra reports a rise in its leopard population, the past three years have revealed a grim counter-trend. From 2023 to 2025, a total of 397 leopards died, with forest officials citing road accidents, natural causes, and illegal hunting as the leading factors.
Natural Deaths Highest: 185 Leopards Lost in Three Years
Forest department data shows that natural causes accounted for the largest share of deaths.
Gold Rate
21 Oct 2025
• 61 in 2023
• 80 in 2024
• 44 so far in 2025
Shortage of prey, territorial fights, and disease continue to stress leopard populations across forest ranges.
135 Leopards Killed in Road and Rail Accidents
Human encroachment has created dangerous choke-points for wildlife. Over three years, 135 leopards died in vehicle collisions.
• 43 in 2023
• 50 in 2024
• 44 so far in 2025
Highways cutting through forest landscapes and rising traffic speeds are emerging as a major threat.
Poaching Claims 17 Leopards
Illegal hunting remains a persistent problem.
The forest department recorded 17 leopard deaths due to poaching, involving traps, snares, and unlicensed firearms. Evidence suggests ongoing trafficking of skins and body parts, despite enforcement measures.
Leopards Moving Closer to Human Habitats
With rising numbers and shrinking forest space, leopard movement toward villages and city outskirts has increased. Scarcity of prey and territory pushes them closer to human settlements, triggering more conflicts, accidents, and ultimately, fatalities.
Experts Warn: Conservation Strategy Needs Urgent Overhaul
Wildlife experts say the pattern of deaths exposes serious gaps in habitat management and protection policies. Strengthening forest corridors, enforcing road-safety measures in wildlife zones, and intensifying anti-poaching surveillance are key recommendations.
Specialists also urge deployment of rapid-response rescue teams near urban fringes where leopard sightings are becoming common.
The rising leopard population may seem promising, but the escalating death toll paints a stark picture. Without stronger conservation steps, Maharashtra could face an even deeper wildlife crisis in the coming years.
