(a) the total number of leopard deaths reported and killed by poachers in the country during the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise
(b) whether any leopard has been killed by villagers and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps being taken for conservation and protection of leopards in the country ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a)As per the available information in the Ministry, based on the information provided by State Enforcement Agencies, total number of leopard poached during 2015, 2016 and 2017 are 194 and in current year till October 2018 is 66. The state- wise list of leopard poaching is given in the Annexure.
(b)The management and protection of wildlife including leopard is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State/ Union Territory Governments. Information on killing of leopards by villagers is not collated in the Ministry.
(c)The steps taken by the Government for conservation and protection of wild animals including leopards are:
i. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for punishment for violation of its provisions. The Act also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that is used for committing wildlife offence(s).
ii. Law enforcement authorities in the States maintain strict vigil against poaching of wild animals including leopards.
iii. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has been set up to gather intelligence about poaching and unlawful trade in wild animals and animal articles and to achieve inter-state and trans-boundary coordination in enforcement of wildlife laws.
iv. The State/Union Territory Governments have been requested to strengthen the field formations and intensify patrolling in and around Protected Areas.
v. Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves covering important wildlife habitats have been created all over the country under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to conserve wild animals and their habitats.
vi. Financial assistance is provided to the State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Development of Wildlife Habitats’, ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’, for providing better protection to wildlife including leopards and improvement of habitat.
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