Leopards are one of the most fascinating creatures in the animal kingdom. Their graceful movements, stunning appearance, and unique personality make them an important part of the world’s biodiversity. To celebrate and promote leopards worldwide, a new portal dedicated to this majestic species was launched on International Leopard Day in 2023 by a predator conservation working group.
Background on Leopards
Leopards are a member of the cat family, Felidae, and are one of the five extant species in the Panthera genus. They have a wide range that spans from sub-Saharan Africa to Western and Central Asia, Southern Russia, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast and East Asia.
Threats to Leopard Populations
Unfortunately, the leopard population is under threat due to habitat loss and fragmentation. As a result, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed leopards as “Vulnerable” on their Red List. Additionally, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has categorized them as Appendix I, which restricts trade of leopard skins and body parts to 2,560 individuals in 11 sub-Saharan countries.
Conservation Efforts for Leopards
To ensure the survival of leopard populations, conservation efforts have been undertaken worldwide. The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 in India has listed leopards as Schedule I, which provides legal protection to this species. Furthermore, the predator conservation working group that launched the leopard portal aims to promote awareness about the importance of leopard conservation and encourage people to take action.
Features of the Leopard Portal
The leopard portal provides a variety of information on this incredible species. Some of its features include:
- Educational resources – The portal has a wealth of information about leopards, including their natural history, behavior, and habitats. It also includes information on the threats to leopard populations and conservation efforts to protect them.
- Interactive map – The portal features an interactive map that allows users to explore the range of leopard populations worldwide. Users can click on different regions to learn more about the leopards that live there.
- News and updates – The portal provides the latest news and updates on leopard conservation efforts, including research findings, new initiatives, and success stories.
- Action center – The portal encourages people to take action to protect leopards. It provides information on how to get involved in conservation efforts, such as volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness on social media.
Important Points:
🐆 Leopards are one of the five extant species in the genus Panthera and a member of the cat family, Felidae.
🌍 They have a wide range that spans from sub-Saharan Africa to Western and Central Asia, Southern Russia, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast and East Asia.
🚨 Leopards are under threat due to habitat loss and fragmentation, leading to their listing as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List and as Appendix I on CITES.
🌿 Conservation efforts for leopards have been undertaken worldwide, such as the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 in India, which provides legal protection to this species.
💻 The predator conservation working group launched a leopard portal to promote awareness about the importance of leopard conservation and encourage people to take action.
📚 The leopard portal includes educational resources about leopards, their natural history, behavior, and habitats, as well as information on the threats to leopard populations and conservation efforts to protect them.
🗺️ The portal features an interactive map that allows users to explore the range of leopard populations worldwide.
📰 The portal provides the latest news and updates on leopard conservation efforts, including research findings, new initiatives, and success stories.
🌟 The portal encourages people to take action to protect leopards, providing information on how to get involved in conservation efforts, such as volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness on social media.
🐾 We must all do our part to ensure the survival of leopards and other endangered species, and the leopard portal is a great place to start.
Why In News
On International Leopard Day 2023, a predator conservation working group launched a new online portal dedicated to leopards (Panthera pardus) to promote and celebrate these majestic animals worldwide. This innovative initiative aims to increase awareness of the threats facing leopard populations and encourage people to take action to protect these vulnerable species for future generations.
MCQs about Features of the Leopard Portal
-
Which of the following statements is true about leopards?
A. Leopards are a member of the cat family, Felidae.
B. Leopards are a type of bird.
C. Leopards can only be found in Africa.
D. Leopards are not threatened by habitat loss.
-
What is the conservation status of leopards according to the IUCN Red List?
A. Critically Endangered
B. Endangered
C. Vulnerable
D. Near Threatened
-
What is the purpose of the new leopard portal launched on International Leopard Day, 2023?
A. To promote and celebrate leopards worldwide.
B. To sell leopard skins and body parts.
C. To capture and relocate leopards to zoos.
D. To advocate for the hunting of leopards.
-
What is the significance of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in relation to leopards?
A. It provides legal protection to leopards in India.
B. It restricts the trade of leopard skins and body parts in sub-Saharan Africa.
C. It designates leopards as a critically endangered species.
D. It allows the hunting of leopards for sport.
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
