SPOTTING THE SPOTTED CATS
A FORTNIGHT AGO, FORESTERS IN RAJASTHAN’S Jhalana Reserve Forest (JRF) spotted leopardess Flora with two cubs. Though India’s leopard population has been rising over the past few years, this was especially cheering since the Rajasthan government had announced in October 2018 that Jhalana would become home to the country’s first leopard safari. With around 29 adults and 15 cubs, of which 12 were born this year, some say JRF now has the world’s highest density of leopards, though officials say this may be a premature claim.
Nonetheless, the JRF has seen much interest from officials, tourists and wildlife experts. There are also plans to replicate its success in nearby areas, ultimately creating a corridor linking it with the nearby Sariska Tiger Reserve, about 100 km away. “JRF is emerging as a success story in the making, but we need to nurture it,’’ says Deep Narayan Pandey, Rajasthan’s principal chief
You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days