Big Cats

India's rich biodiversity includes the 'big five' cat species which include Tigers, Leopards, Lions, Cheetahs and Snow Leopards. Asiatic lions, confined to Gir National Park, increased from 523 in 2015 to 674 in 2020, facing threats like disease and park capacity. Bengal tigers, with 3,682 reported in 2022, confront challenges such as habitat loss and climate change. Leopard saw 8% increase in the leopard population from 2018 to 13,874 in 2022. Madhya Pradesh led with 3,907 leopards. Conservation initiatives like Project Tiger and Leopard, and the International Big Cat Alliance, aim to address these issues. Challenges for big cat conservation in India include habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and disease outbreaks which require adaptive conservation strategies.

In 2024, a report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) was published, detailing the status of leopards in India. This report offers crucial insights into the distribution, population trends, and conservation challenges of leopards, drawing from data obtained during the fifth cycle of leopard population estimation in 2022. The leopard population in India experienced an 8% increase, rising from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022. Notably, Madhya Pradesh has the highest leopard population, with 3,907 individuals, followed by Maharashtra (1,985) and Karnataka (1,879).

India possesses a diverse natural heritage and mega-biodiversity which encompasses more than 45,000 plant species and 91,000 animal species. It is renowned for hosting the greatest variety of wild cat species. India is home to the 'big five' cat species, namely the Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Indian Leopard, Snow Leopard, and the Clouded Leopard.

The Asiatic lion is now exclusively found in India. It was once native to West Asia and the Middle East before becoming extinct in those regions. It belongs to the Panthera Leo Persica subspecies.

• In terms of habitat, these lions are restricted to the Gir National Park and wildlife sanctuary, alongwith the surrounding in Gujarat’s Saurashtra district. They exhibit a preference for Dry Deciduous Forests.
• Characteristics: Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than their African counterparts. Male lions have a fuller mane and coexist with the females of their pride. They also feature a larger tail buff compared to African lions.
• The Population of lions in Gir witnessed an increase from 523 in 2015 to 674 in 2020.
• These majestic creatures face various threats, both natural and anthropogenic. Natural threats include old age, hunger-related deaths, and instances of infighting. On the other hand, diseases and epidemics, such as rabies, urinary tract infections, anemia, hepatitis, multiple organ failure, and the outbreak of the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) in 2018, pose additional challenges. Furthermore, the Gir National Park operates beyond its intended capacity, operating at double its limits, which contributes to pushing lions beyond its boundaries.
• Status:
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered Species
  • CITES: Appendix I
• Conservation Measures for Asiastic Lion:
  • The Indian Government has launched the Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project as a proactive measure to safeguard Asiatic lions through their reintroduction. A specific proposal aims to translocate 40 lions to the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat.
  • Asiastic Lion has been added in India's Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered Species and Habitats.
  • Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats- Lions included in the scheme under which financial assistance is provided to states for the protection and conservation of wildlife and their habitats.
  • The Asiatic Lion Conservation Project is designed to employ scientific management strategies, engaging communities in collaboration with multi-sectoral agencies. The project specifically addresses disease control and veterinary care.
  • International Big Cat Alliance

India is the habitat of the Bengal Tiger which is the world's largest cat species. It serves as both an umbrella and flagship species. It is scientifically known as Panthera Tigris.

• Habitat: the tiger's current range spans India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and southwestern China. Within India, tigers occupy diverse environments such as tropical moist evergreen forests, tropical dry forests, subtropical moist deciduous forests, mangroves, subtropical and temperate upland forests, etc.
• Characteristics: The Bengal tiger is characterized by a coat ranging from yellow to light orange, adorned with stripes varying from dark brown to black. The belly and interior limbs are white, and the tail features orange with black rings.
• Population: As per the All India Tiger Estimation 2022 by NTCA, India's tiger population surged to 3,682 in 2022 from 2,967 in 2018. Madhya Pradesh (MP) has the largest number of tiger with 785 tigers, followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444). Major tiger reserves like Corbett, Bandipur, and Nagarhole contribute significantly to the country's tiger numbers. India hosts around 75 percent of the global tiger population.
• Tigers face multiple threats, including habitat loss, climate change, human-wildlife conflict, inbreeding, diseases, hunting, grazing, mining, and infrastructure development
• Status:
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix I
• Conservation Measures:
  • Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, Project Tiger, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under MoEFCC, focuses on the in-situ conservation of wild tigers within designated reserves.
  • National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): Established in December 2005 on the recommendation of the Tiger Task Force, NTCA administers Project Tiger, overseeing tiger conservation efforts.
  • Global Tiger Forum (GTF): GTF, an inter-governmental body of 13 tiger range countries, is dedicated exclusively to the conservation of wild tigers, fostering international collaboration.
  • Global Tiger Initiative (GTI): Launched in 2008, GTI is a global alliance involving governments, civil society, and conservation communities, working collectively to prevent the extinction of wild tigers.
  • Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS): Introduced by the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), CA|TS sets criteria for tiger sites to ensure that their management practices contribute effectively to tiger conservation.
  • St. Petersburg Declaration: A global commitment to doubling wild tiger numbers by 2022, as outlined in the St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation. India has successfully achieved this target.
  • International Big Cat Alliance- explained below

Leopards are elusive creatures that operate predominantly during the night (nocturnal), with their size and color adapting to their specific habitats. Ranking as the world's fifth-largest cat species, they demonstrate exceptional climbing abilities and seek refuge in trees, concealing both themselves and their prey to minimize competition.

• Habitat: Leopards inhabit Asia, Southern Russia, sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Leopards thrive in various environments, including forests, savannas, shrublands, grasslands, rocky terrain, and deserts.
• Characteristics: They are distinguished by robust, sleek bodies and leopards are formidable big cats. Their fur, ranging from pale yellow to dark golden, showcases dark spots forming rosettes. Long tails enhance their agility, balance, and jumping prowess.
• Population: India's leopard population in 2022 stands at 13,874. Madhya Pradesh boasts the highest count, with 3,907 individuals, followed by Maharashtra (1,985) and Karnataka (1,879).
• Challenges confronting leopards encompass habitat loss, climate change, human-wildlife conflicts, diseases, hunting, grazing, mining, and infrastructural development.
• Status:
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I
• Conservation Initiatives:
  • Project Leopard: Launched by the MoEFCC, Project Leopard aims to conserve and manage the leopard population in a holistic manner. It involves scientific monitoring, research, and habitat management.
  • National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): While primarily focused on tigers, the NTCA also plays a role in leopard conservation. The organization works on habitat protection, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and supporting research on leopards.
  • International Big Cat Alliance- explained below
  • Wildlife SOS in collaboration with Maharashtra Forest Dept, established Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre in Junnar, Maharashtra in 2008.

The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is a large cat native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, including the Himalayas, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Altai mountains. It is also the 7th largest among the cat species in the world. It has been declared as the National Symbol of Kyrgyzstan. It is a keystone and indicator species.

• Habitat: Snow leopards are adapted to living in cold, rugged mountainous terrain with rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation. They inhabit alpine and subalpine regions at elevations between 3,000 and 5,500 meters. Their range spans across 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
  • In India, they are seen in Hemis National Park (Ladakh), Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Characteristics: Snow leopards are easily recognizable by their thick fur, which is pale gray or creamy yellow with black rosettes and spots. They have long, powerful hind limbs and a long tail, which helps them maintain balance on steep terrain and acts as a counterbalance when leaping. Their large, padded feet are well-suited for walking on snow and ice.
• Population: As per Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI):
  • There are 718 Snow leopards in India.
  • The estimated presence of snow leopards in different states as per this report is: Ladakh (477), Uttarakhand (124), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21), and Jammu and Kashmir (9).
• Challenges: Habitat Loss and Fragmentation due to mining, infrastructure development, and agriculture, Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade, Human-Wildlife Conflict and Climate Change.
• Status:
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I
• Conservation Initiatives:
  • Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP)- It is a high-level inter-governmental alliance of all the above mentioned 12 snow leopard range countries.
  • Project Snow Leopard: Launched by the Government of India in 2009, Project Snow Leopard aims to conserve and manage snow leopard populations and their habitats across the Indian Himalayan states. It focuses on habitat conservation, community-based conservation, research, and capacity building.
  • Protected Areas: Some of the key protected areas known to have snow leopards include Hemis National Park (Ladakh), Nanda Devi National Park (Uttarakhand), and Gangotri National Park (Uttarakhand).
  • Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI),2024 : It is the first comprehensive scientific exercise to assess the Snow Leopard’s population in India. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) was the National Coordinator for the SPAI, and the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), Mysuru and World Wildlife Fund(WWF)-India were the conservation partners. The assessment was conducted from 2019 to 2023. The report was released by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2024.

The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large felid known for its incredible speed, making it the fastest land animal. It is a member of the Big Cat Species. There are two major types of Cheetah: African Cheetah and Asiastic Cheetah.

• Habitat: Cheetahs require vast expanses of open landscapes for hunting, with access to prey and suitable cover for stalking and resting.
  • Globally, cheetahs are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, with small populations in Iran. In Africa, they inhabit a range of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, scrublands, and arid regions.
  • In India, The cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952. In 2023, African Cheetahs were reintroduced in India in Kuno-Palpur National Park in Madhya Pradesh from Namibia.
• Characteristics:
  • Cheetahs are slender-bodied cats with long legs, a small rounded head, and a distinctive black "tear stripe" running from the inner corner of the eye down to the mouth. They have a golden-yellow coat with black spots, providing excellent camouflage in their habitat.
  • Cheetahs have a unique body structure optimized for speed, including a lightweight build, semi-retractable claws for traction, and large nasal passages for efficient breathing during high-speed chases.
  • They can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour (113 kilometers per hour) in short bursts, enabling them to chase down prey such as gazelles and impalas.
• Population: The current global population of Cheetah is less than 7000 individuals. In India, the total cheetah population, including cubs, is 26 as on 10 March, 2024.
• Threats:
  • Habitat Loss and Fragmentation due to agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development,
  • Human-Wildlife Conflict due to Encroachment of human settlements into cheetah habitats
  • Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade as they are targeted by poachers for their skins, which are highly valued in the illegal wildlife trade.
  • Decline in Prey Species due to Overhunting and competition with livestock for resources
  • Cheetah populations suffer from low genetic diversity, which makes them more vulnerable to diseases and environmental changes.
• Status:
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • IUCN Red List:
    • Vulnerable(African Cheetah)
    • Critically Endangered(Asian Cheetah)
  • CITES: Appendix I
• Conservation Initiatives:
  • Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is an international non-profit organization which is the longest-running cheetah conservation project in Africa.
  • Project Cheetah: It is the first intercontinental reintroduction of large carnivore species. The Cheetahs are brought from Namibia and South Africa and relocated to the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The NTCA is the apex body for implementation of Project Cheetah. CCF is also assisting in Project Cheetah. It is as per the MoEF&CC’s Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India of 2022.

This initiative was launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), this program aims to conserve seven prominent big cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) strives to halt the illegal wildlife trade involving these seven species and actively participates in the preservation of their natural habitats.

• Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Rapid urbanization, agriculture expansion, and infrastructure development result in the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats, reducing the available space for big cats and limiting their ability to roam freely.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: As human populations expand into areas inhabited by big cats, conflicts arise. These conflicts often result in retaliatory killings, posing a significant threat to big cat populations. The animals may prey on livestock, leading to negative interactions with local communities.
• Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade: Poaching for body parts, including skins, bones, and other body parts, remains a significant threat to big cats. The illegal wildlife trade network is well-organized, posing challenges for law enforcement agencies.
• Disease Outbreaks: The spread of diseases, particularly from domestic animals to big cats, is a concern. Disease outbreaks can have devastating effects on populations with limited genetic diversity.
• Climate Change: Climate change poses a threat to big cat habitats. Altered weather patterns, changing prey availability, and increased incidents of extreme weather events can impact the survival and reproductive success of these species.

The conservation landscape for India's big cats—lions, tigers, and leopards—presents a complex and challenging scenario. Habitat loss, stemming from rapid urbanization and infrastructure development, remains a pressing concern. The complex issues emphasise the need for adaptive conservation strategies. India's initiatives, such as Project Tiger and Project Leopard, signify positive steps and a holistic approach which integrates habitat protection, community engagement, and international collaboration. The launch of the International Big Cat Alliance in 2023 demonstrates a commitment to global cooperation for the conservation of these magnificent creatures and their habitats.