Daily Current Affairs : 16-September-2023
The governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat have recently proposed a unique strategy to address the increasing human-leopard conflicts and manage the leopard population in their respective regions. Maharashtra is focusing on implementing sterilization as a conservation approach within the state, while Gujarat is particularly concerned with leopards in and around Gir National Park. This essay explores the rationale behind these initiatives, the challenges they face, and the broader context of leopard conservation.
Sterilizing Leopards in Maharashtra
Need for Sterilization:
In recent years, Maharashtra has witnessed a concerning rise in human deaths caused by leopard attacks, with 58 fatalities reported in 2019-20 alone. This alarming increase in conflicts and the growing leopard population have necessitated the development of sustainable management strategies.
The sterilization approach in Maharashtra aims to strike a balance between protecting leopards and ensuring the safety of human communities while adhering to conservation laws.
Concerns and Considerations:
While sterilization seems like a promising solution, its effectiveness in managing leopard populations is a subject of debate. To address this, there is a growing demand for comprehensive scientific research and the development of veterinary skills specific to leopard sterilization.
Another concern is the potential stress that leopards may endure during the sterilization process, which must be minimized to ensure their well-being.
Traditional sterilization methods have their challenges, and therefore, it is imperative to explore alternative contraception options that may be more efficient and humane.
Emphasis is also placed on addressing conflicts and gaining community support for conservation efforts, as these aspects are critical for long-term success.
Similar Initiatives in Gujarat
Gujarat’s forest department has also proposed sterilization as a strategy, particularly in and around Gir National Park. These initiatives in two different states underscore the growing concern for managing leopard populations and mitigating human-leopard conflicts.
Key Points About Leopards
Scientific Name: Panthera pardus
About Leopards:
Leopards are the smallest among the Big Cats, which include the Tiger, Lion, Jaguar, Snow Leopard, and themselves. They possess remarkable adaptability and can thrive in various habitats.
Leopards are primarily nocturnal hunters, with their diet consisting mainly of smaller herbivores such as chital, hog deer, and wild boar.
The phenomenon of melanism, where the skin is entirely black, is a common occurrence among leopards, often referred to as black panthers.
Habitat:
Leopards are found across sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Western and Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast, and East Asia.
The Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is widespread on the Indian subcontinent.
Population in India:
There has been a significant 60% increase in leopard population in India from 2014 to 2018.
The estimated leopard population in 2014 of nearly 8,000 has risen to 12,852, with the highest numbers found in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
Threats:
Leopards face threats from poaching for illegal skin and body part trade, habitat loss, and fragmentation, as well as human-leopard conflicts.
Conservation Status:
Leopards are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and they are listed in Appendix-I of CITES, highlighting their critical conservation status.
In India, leopards are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, with Schedule-I listing, offering them the highest level of legal protection.
Important Points:
Sterilizing Leopards in Maharashtra:
- Maharashtra’s proposal for leopard sterilization aims to address rising human-leopard conflicts and manage the growing leopard population.
- In 2019-20, Maharashtra witnessed 58 human deaths due to leopard attacks, necessitating a sustainable management approach.
- Concerns include the effectiveness of sterilization, the need for scientific research and veterinary skill development, potential stress on leopards during the process, and the exploration of alternative contraception methods.
- Emphasis is placed on addressing conflicts and gaining community support for conservation efforts.
Similar Initiatives in Gujarat:
- Gujarat’s forest department also proposed sterilization, particularly in and around Gir National Park.
- Both states’ initiatives reflect a growing concern for managing leopard populations and human-leopard conflicts.
Key Points About Leopards:
- Scientific name: Panthera pardus.
- Leopards are the smallest among the Big Cats, highly adaptable, and primarily nocturnal hunters.
- They often exhibit melanism, resulting in entirely black skin (black panthers).
- Their habitat includes sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Western and Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast, and East Asia.
- India has seen a 60% increase in leopard population from 2014 to 2018, with the highest numbers in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
- Threats to leopards include poaching, habitat loss, fragmentation, and human-leopard conflicts.
- Leopards are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, listed in Appendix-I of CITES, and protected under India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, with Schedule-I listing.
Why In News
Both the Maharashtra and Gujarat governments have put forth sterilization as a strategic measure to ensure the sustainable coexistence of leopards and local communities. Maharashtra seeks to deploy this approach as part of its comprehensive leopard conservation efforts statewide, while Gujarat concentrates its efforts on leopards residing in and around Gir National Park, fostering a harmonious balance between wildlife and people in the region.
MCQs about Sterilization Initiatives for Leopard Conservation
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What is the primary reason behind Maharashtra’s proposal for leopard sterilization?
A. To increase leopard population
B. To address rising human-leopard conflicts
C. To promote leopard poaching
D. To reduce habitat loss
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Which state also proposed leopard sterilization initiatives, particularly around Gir National Park?
A. Karnataka
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Gujarat
D. Rajasthan
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What is the most significant threat to leopard populations ?
A. Sterilization procedures
B. Habitat loss and fragmentation
C. Poaching for illegal skin trade
D. Human-leopard conflicts
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What is the conservation status of leopards according to the IUCN Red List?
A. Critically Endangered
B. Vulnerable
C. Endangered
D. Near Threatened
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