1. Introduction

Leopard (Panthera pardus) is widely distributed wild big cat and listed as an endangered species in IUCN Red List of Threatened Mammals and categorized under Schedule 1 of “Wildlife Protection Act 1972”. In between January 2009 to October 2010, this species has dwindled drastically in Uttarakhand state and its existing populations are at high risk (Figure 1). One of the main reasons for this decline is the degradation of the habitat and loss of connectivity among different protected habitats. In Uttarakhand, Rajaji–Corbett wildlife corridor is the strong hold of leopards with a population of 608 (census 2005, Figure 5 A&B), which also includes the population in Rajaji National Park, Corbett Tiger Reserve (including Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Kalagarh Tiger Reserve), Lansdowne, Dehradun, Haridwar, Ramnagar, Terai East, Terai West, Terai Central and Haldwani forests divisions. Remarkably, in between January 2009 and April 11, 2010, 78 leopards have died at different locations of Uttarakhand state and most of the deaths occurred in protected habitats (Table 1).

2. Causes of Mortality

The specific reason of maximum number of leopard’s deaths was not clearly known because of old carcass found. This has accounted for 30 leopards (38.4 %), which were found dead at different locations of the state (Figure 5 C&D). Ground data revealed that 24.3 % (19) leopards died due to poaching / captured in trap (in some cases died during care after rescued from trap, Figure 5 E) whereas 20.5% (16) leopards were declared as man-eater and had been shot dead. Road accidental deaths accounted for 6.4 % (05), killed by villager in self-defense accounted for 3.9 % (03) and train accidental deaths accounted for 1.3 % (01). A total of 3.9 % (03) animal had been died in internal fight whereas 1.3 % (01) killed in wildfires (Table 1, Figure 2, 5 F&G). However, it was said in some cases that leopard died because of disease/ illness, but we assumed all these cases under unknown category. It is quite difficult to find out accurate reason of death especially when any old carcass is found, even after the post-mortem; it is very difficult to trace accurate death reasons. However, exact death reason could be known tentatively by investigating the field evidences.

Table 1. Leopard’s mortality in Uttarakhand since January 2009 1. January 01, 2009 Terai West Forest Division - Found injured, died during care 2. January 22, 2009 Pokhaal, Kotdwar, Lansdowne Forest Division Female, 03 years Shot-dead, declared as man-eater 3. February 03, 2009 Rajawala, Selaqui, Dehradun Forest Division - Found dead 4. February 06, 2009 Almora Forest Division - Internal Fight 5. February 08, 2009 Almora Forest Division Male, Found dead, Unknown 6. February 13, 2009 Gopeshwar-Chamoli Route, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve - Trapped in clutch wire, rescued, died during care 7. February 16, 2009 Almora Forest Division -, Cub Found Dead, Unknown 8. February 16, 2009 Nainital Forest Division -, Cub Found Dead, Unknown 9. February 17, 2009 Ghamandpur, Ranipokhri, Barkot Range, Dehradun, Forest Division Male, - Found dead 10. February 18, 2009 Paathisain area, Dhumakot, Pauri Forest Division Male, - Found dead 11. February 18, 2009 Paathisain area, Dhumakot, Pauri Forest Division Female, - Found dead 12. February 19, 2009 Pokhaal, Pauri Forest - Shot-dead by shooter; declared as man-eater 13. February 19, 2009 Gairsain, Chamoli Forest - Shot-dead by shooter; declared as man-eater 14. February 19, 2009 Khatima-Banbasa Route, Banbasa Forest Female, - Road accident 15. March 05, 2009 Kholiagaon, Bageshwar Forest - Shot-dead, declared as man-eater 16. April 12, 2009 Gairsain, Chamoli Forest Female, - Shot-dead, declared as man-eater 17. April 26, 2009 Gadgadia Range, Haldwani Forest Division - Found dead 18. May 13, 2009 Chopra, Raipur Range, Mussoorie Forest Division Female. - Shot-dead by shooter, declared as man-eater 19. May 20, 2009 Haridwar-Roorkee route, near to Pathri rau, Haridwar Forest Division - Road accident 20. June 09, 2009 Tol village, Devprayag Female, 08 years Shot dead, declared as man-eater 21. June 28, 2009 Devprayag - Shot dead, declared as man-eater 22. June …, 2009 Sikroda, Khanpur Range, Haridwar Forest Division - Found dead 23. July 01, 2009 Premnagar, Dehradun Forest Division Female, - Shot dead, declared as man-eater 24. July 14, 2009 Bharpur patti, Devprayag, Tehri - Killed by shooter (declared as man-eater) 25. July 15, 2009 Kudkawala, Haridwar Forest Division Male, 05 years Found dead, Poaching (bullets were found over to body) 26. July 16, 2009 Kumrada village, Chinyalisaur, Uttarkashi Female, 04 years Killed by villager during attack/self-defence 27. July 17, 2009 Khandah, Pauri - Brutally killed by villagers 28. July 23, 2009 Nainital Zoo Female, 04 years Shifted from Birla Forest, rescued, finally died 29. July 27, 2009 Gairsain area, Chamoli Forest - Shot dead, declared as man-eater 30. August 16, 2009 East Jhandi chaur, Kotdwar Forest - Found injured, died during care 31. August 19, 2009 Chiniyalisaur, Uttarkashi - Found injured, died during rescue 32. August 21, 2009 Gopeshwar, Chamoli Forest Division - Found injured, died during rescue operation 33. August 21, 2009 Gairsain, Chamoli Forest Male, 05 years Shot dead, declared as man-eater 34. October 07, 2009 Motasaal are, Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary Kalagarh Tiger Reserve Female, - Found dead 35. October 13, 2009 Chaukhutia Block, Almora Forest Division - Shot dead, declared as man-eater 36. October 15, 2009 yamkeshwar Block, Pauri Forest Division Male,- Shot dead, declared as man-eater 37. October 23, 2009 Kaladhungi Range, Ramnager Forest Division - Found dead, internal fight 38. November 07, 2009 Bhardaar are, Jakholi Bl., Rudraprayag Forest Division Female, - Shot dead, declared as man-eater 39. November 12, 2009 Kansrao, Rajaji National Park Female, - Train accident 40. November 20, 2009 Chini Forest, Khatima Range, Terai East, Forest Division Male, - Found dead, carcass found in a nallah; Haemorrhage of intestine/bleeding? 41. December 24, 2009 Chauharpura Range, Barwa village, Dehradun Forest Division - Found dead; 03 nails missing 42. January 06, 2010 Chaukuni Forest, Champawat Forest Division Female, 02 years Found dead, Unknown 43. January 07, 2010 Rishikesh Forest, Dehradun Forest Division Female, 02 years Road accident 44. January 12, 2010 Patrampur, south Jaspur, Terai West Forest Division Female, 04 years Found Dead, Unknown 45. January 15, 2010 Forest near to Buggawala village, Khanpur Forest, Haridwar Forest Division - Found Dead, Unknown (post-mortem report - Disease) 46. January 21, 2010 Haldwani Forest, Terai Central Forest Division -, 03 years Road accident 47. January 22, 2010 Jhajra Forest, Dehradun Forest Division - Shooted down [declared as man-eater] 48. January 24, 2010 Forest near to Bosaan village, Chakrata Forest Division - Found dead, unknown 49. January 27, 2010 Kota Forest, Ramnagar Forest Division (Paatkot village) Male, 06 years Found dead, Internal fight 50. January 29, 2010 Bakhli village, Chaukhutia, Almora -, 01 year Found dead, unknown 51. January 29, 2010 Malsi Deer Park, Dehradun -, 01 year Disease, Brutally rescued from Survey of India campus 52. February 07, 2010 Gaulapaar area, near to Kalichaur river, Chakata Range, Ratighat Compt., Haldwani Forest Division Male, 05 years Found dead 53. February 07, 2010 Hempur forest, Aampokhra Range, Terai west Forest Division - Captured in fencing, rescued during night of 06th but finally died; fencing of agriculture farm of Remount training school & depot [poacher has laid the trap of clutchwire] 54. February 11, 2010 Kirada-Lava Route (near Lava village), Devprayag - Found dead, Trapped in fence 55. February 12, 2010 Jhajhra Forest (Majhaun), Dehradun Forest Division (200 meters away from Birodi village) Male, 07 years Found hanged in a tree in break-wire 56. February 12, 2010 Aasarodi Forest Range, Dehradun Forest Division Near to Badowala barrier (in private farm house) Female, 06 years Found dead, brutally captured in a trap (all four legs were detached from body) 57. February 15, 2010 Rausaal village, Bhilangna Range, Terai Forest Div. Female, 02 years Found dead; died two days before 58. February 15, 2010 Chaka, Ludiyanaam Tok, Ghansorapaka Forest - Found dead, unknown 59. February 16, 2010 Langha Forest, Kalsi Forest Division Male, 05 years Found dead; trap marks in neck portion, Nails missing from three feet 60. February 17, 2010 Beribara Forest, Rajaji National Park Male, 01 year Found dead 61. February 19, 2010 Back portion of IMA campus, Dehradun attached Female, - Captured in trap, rescued very late & bring To with Tons river Aasarodi but finally died [trap was placed for army training purpose] 62. February 23, 2010 Rikhrikhal Block, Pauri district - Found dead, Natural death? 63. February 25, 2010 Ganja village, Bhimtal, Nainital Female, - Found injured; rescued & shifted to Nai Natal Zoo but finally died 64. March 01, 2010 Kotdwar Range, Lansdowne Forest Division - cub Found dead; old carcass 65. March 08, 2010 Near to Gaula river by-pass bridge, Haldwani Forest Division Male, 02 years Found dead; three claws were missing & neck bone was found fractured [looking like snow leopard] 66. March 12, 2010 Belani, Near to Vidya Mandir, Rudraprayag Female, 01 month Found dead; masticated spots found over To lower neck portion 67. March 16, 2010 Mandal Range, Jmeria Beat, Kalagarh Tiger Female, 02 years Found dead; Injured marks at neck, belly & head 68. March 20, 2010 Saterakhal, Rudraprayag Female, 02 years Found dead; Poaching case [seriously Injured & nails missing] 69. March 21, 2010 Khanpur, Haridwar Forest Division - Found dead 70. March 21, 2010 Pantnagar Veterinary College, Pantnagar Shifted from Malsi Deer Park for treatment Male, 05 years Found trapped in a snare at Majri village, rescued & shifted to Malsi Deer Park, after that shifted to Pantnagar Veterinary Col Lege for treatment; serious injury in neck Portion and infection, finally died 71. March 21, 2010 Badowala, Dehradun Forest Division - Found trapped in snare at Badowala vil lege, Badowala village near Shimla bypass road Shimla bypass road; leopard was captured during day hours [chest portion was seriously injured] rescued & shifted; finally died 72. March 27, 2010 Kotawali forest, Chiriapur Range, Haridwar Forest Division Female, 02 years Road accident, Haridwar – Bijnor National Highway No. 74 73. March 28, 2010 Nirada/Mathana village, Pithoragarh Forest Division Male, 06 month Found dead 74. March 28, 2010 Nirada/Mathana village, Pithoragarh Forest Division Female, 08 months Found dead 75. April 05, 2010 Bohra village, Near Bhujaan, Civil forest, Ranikhet Almora Forest Division Female, - Found dead 76. April 10, 2010 Ramgarh Range, Rajaji National Park - Found dead, burnt in fire 77. April 10, 2010 Sauni Forest, near to Pant gaon, Ranikhet, Almora Male, - Found Dead, Unknown 78. April 11, 2010 Almora Forest Division - Brutally killed by villagers

Figure 1. Protected habitats in Uttarakhand state (source: State Forest Department)

Figure 2. Mortality in protected leopard's population and skin recovery cases in Uttarakhand during January 2009 to April 11, 2010

Figure 3. Number of human deaths and injured person in leopard's attack in Uttarakhand between November 2000 to December 2008 (Source: Data of Forest Department)

Leopard’s mortality rate was significantly influenced by on-going poaching activities (trap knotting and poisoning for skin and body parts). During last two years, clutch-wire made snares were frequently found by the officials being used by the poachers, which also don’t enable the animal to liberate out from trap. Notably, maximum number of deaths occurred during February 2009 & 2010 (12) and March 2010 (11) followed by January 2010 (10). As most of the protected habitats are adjacent to villages and leopards used to move frequently in buffer zones and sometimes near to boundary of villages, therefore, instances of poaching cases are commonly observed from time to time (Figure 2).

Figure 4. Leopard’s death through various reasons at different parts of Uttarakhand during 2000 – 2008 (Source: Data of Forest Department)

Figure 5A. Leopard in the Rajaji National Park

3. Skin Recovery Cases

Despite mortality cases, 35 leopard’s skin were also recovered / seized by forest officials, civil police and special force at different locations of Uttarakhand during January 2009 to March 2010 (Table 2). Additionally, 04 other cases of recovering body parts (bones, nails & teeth) were noted during said period. To control this, state forest department is conducting extensive patrolling and joint raid operations in sensitive areas besides, Task Forces are being constituted to check the illegal wildlife trade. Based on available figures, it can be said that poaching activities in Uttarakhand is effective and still ongoing (Figure 5 H&I).

Table 2. Cases of leopard’s skin recovery in Uttarakhand since January 2009

Sex – ratio

Out of 78 deaths, 24 were females whereas 15 were males and for other 39 the exact sex was not known to us. Looking into the data it comes out that the death ratio of male: female is almost equal and this will not affect the sex ratio of species but will bring this mammalian carnivore to threat.

4. Status of Rescued Leopards

Rescuing wild animal is a very sensitive and challenging task and needs very responsive treatment. Wild animals are very sensitive to human beings and proximity with them makes animal unconscious and furious. Besides, our efforts to rescue the leopards are not based on scientific protocol and that is one of the reason, which prolong deaths after rescue operations or during treatment. Out of 78 deaths, 12 were found trapped in snare and injured and shifted to some other safe areas but eventually all the leopards finally died. In addition, against to this, we have two examples in which leopards have been successfully rescued and translocated to some other places.

Figure 5B. Leopard about to climb the tree in Rajaji National Park

During January 2006, a male leopard was declared as man-eater in Badrinath forest division (Chamoli district) and after capturing him successfully from Budhadhang village, was released to Khara forest (Mitthawali area) of the Rajaji National Park. One such case had happened during 2008 in which a male leopard was translocated to Malsi Deer Park after being rescued from Dehradun–Mussoorie highway (Figure 5 J). Man-eater leopards were captured from time to time through setting up of baited traps effectively but as far as on-spot rescue and treatment is concerned our efforts are unequipped to save wildlife.

Figure 5C. Leopard’s cub was found dead at Haridwar forest division

Figure 5D. Leopard brutally shot dead by poachers at Khanpur forest, Haridwar forest division during 2009

Figure 5E. Seriously injured male leopard at Malsi Deer Park after being rescued from Resam Mazri village, Dehradun during 2010; the neck portion was badly abraded due to caught in an illegal snare

5. Rescue Center

In an initiative to protect the state’s endangered wildlife; state government initiated a project for care of rescued wild animals during 2010 especially for man-eater leopards. Under this project a rescue center has been established over an area of 25 hectares in Kotawali forest of the Haridwar forest division. Just after establishment four problem leopards were shifted to this centre from different locations of Garhwal Himalaya and are being providing treatment under supervision of experts. This initiative can be considered as a favourable step in wildlife conservation in north India. However, translocation of big cats is a controversial subject among various workers. In the event of a leopard problem, the most common management strategy followed throughout India is the setting up of baited traps, capture of an individual (not necessarily the problem causing individual) and its subsequent translocation into the nearest suitable natural habitat[1,2]. This is also recommended by the Indian Wildlife Protection Act[3] through an amendment made in 2002. However, this strategy is not recommended by scientists for managing problem animals because of the strong homing instincts exhibited by a wide range of carnivore families and the potential for movement of conflict with the individuals [1-4].

Figure 5F. Leopard died due to collision with train in Haridwar-Dehradun railway track at Motichur forest

Figure 5G. Leopard died in a road accident at Haridwar–Bijnor National Highway No. 74, which is passing in between different forest zones

Figure 5H. Wildlife crime: Leopard’s skins were recovered by civil police of Vikas Nagar, Dehradun during 2008

6. Future of the Leopard’s Population in Uttarakhand State

Uttarakhand is rapidly losing its leopard wealth and therefore needs a very transparent attention and conservation actions. During November 2000 to December 2008, 180 people were killed by leopards and 343 were injured in leopard’s attack (Figure 3). Notably, 394 leopards died due to various causes (236–natural, 116–accident and 42–poaching; Figure 4). On the other hand 50 leopards were declared as man-eater during November 2000 to December 2008 and most of them were shot down while some were shifted to other protected habitat (zoo, protected habitat & zoological park). But maximum deaths accounted for shot due to fierce nature and demand of local people.

Maximum number of man-eaters were declared during 2009 (14) followed by 2006 and 2007 (11) and 2003 (09) whereas least number were declared during 2004 and 2005 (02). Historical literature revealed that 140 people succumbing to leopard attacks between 1988 and 2000 while 93 leopards were killed in the same period[5]. Since 2009, man-leopard conflict has been enhanced to two folds and today the situation in some places is very severe especially in rural areas.

Figures indicated that man–leopard conflict is increasing day-by-day mainly because of competition for resources and space. Most of the villages are situated in between the forest area and adjoining to protected habitats and wild animals (leopard, wild boar, bear, Himalayan yellow throated marten and several species of deer) used to move extensively near to these areas because of presence of water and palatable crops. Besides, traditionally villagers also used to enter nearby forests to collect fuel-wood and fodder year round and thus encounter rate is increasing. In this critical situation more effective action-oriented and scientific protocol based strategies are required for conservation of this endangered species, which should primarily involve the participation of local people at every level, like formulation of policies, government meetings, awareness programmes and research activities.

Uttarakhand has a long history of leopard problem especially man-eater, for which the world famous conservationist Jim Corbett is known. This problem is more common in hilly areas where leopard’s movement is commonly observed adjoining to villages and currently its population is only safe in protected areas that don’t consist of human habitation. Mammalian carnivores are vulnerable to local extinction in fragmented landscapes mainly due to their low densities, large ranges and inevitable conflict with humans[6,7].

Outside protected areas, accidental or intentional killing by people drives local extinction of large carnivores or reduces their numbers, and it is a matter of fact that many human-dominated landscapes will always be unsuitable for some large carnivores[8]. Animal-vehicle collisions have the potential to impact the viability of wildlife populations. Several studies have been carried out on mortality of wild animals[8-11].

Figure 5I. Snare and other tools recovered by forest staff from poachers during a raid at Sonanadi Range, Kalagarh Tiger Reserve during 2009

Today, wildlife in several parts of India does not exist in isolation. Most wildlife populations live outside protected areas, often along side humans. Dogs, pigs and goats form an important part of leopards diet across many sites (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Maharashtra) indicating that the feral animals and livestock are probably important prey of leopards living outside protected areas in India [12,13].

In India, most of the national highways and railway tracks are also running across the potential protected wildlife habitats, which impede the frequent movement of animals within their home range. In this situation there is further need to conduct more scientific studies on the unnatural deaths of wildlife to address the requirements of both humans and wild fauna.

7. Recommendations

1. Proper census should be carried out at potential sites especially in buffer zones, where leopard’s movement is very common and at risk.

2. At some places locals use to place snare / trap during night near to boundaries of the protected areas, therefore night patrolling of adjoining villages will be beneficial to know the status of poaching activities.

Figure 5J. Towards conservation: A translocated leopard–Raja, rescued from Dehradun–Mussoorie highway and released into Malsi Deer Park, Dehradun

3. As most of the villagers are living adjacent to the protected habitats traditionally and their indigenous knowledge about the forest resources and wildlife conservation is important to be addressed, therefore if we incorporate their opinions in making conservation policy that will be immensely helpful in conservation of wildlife wealth.

4. Community participation should be ensured besides; involvement of local people, government organisation, NGOs and subject experts is highly required.

5 Affected regions should be monitored sharply and movement of other wild animals (herbivores) should be ensured. It will be helpful in knowing the specific status of poaching of wildlife.

6 Death reason should be explored properly so that we should know the accurate death reason and be cautious in future about that.

7 Radio-telemetric studies are required on leopards, which were released / translocated to protected habitat. This will be helpful in knowing the adaptation status of species and on the basis of which some recommendations could be given.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are thankful to I am thankful to Mr. Hem Pande, Joint Secretary, Dr. Sujata Arora, Director, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India and to Dr. Rambir Singh, Director, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India for their encouragement and valuable suggestions. Mr. C.M. Dobhal, Director and Mr. O.P. Bhatt, Chairman of the Doon Institute of Engineering and Technology, Uttarakhand and to various forest officers and media persons for providing suggestions and relevant information.