Madhya Pradesh, often described as India’s leopard stronghold, has reported 149 leopard deaths in just over a year, raising fresh concerns among conservationists about the threats facing the species.According to forest department data, the deaths were recorded between early 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. Officials said a majority of the fatalities were due to natural causes, including age-related factors and territorial fights. However, a significant number were also linked to human-wildlife conflict, poaching, road accidents, and accidental falls into open wells.

Madhya Pradesh is home to one of the largest leopard populations in the country, benefiting from extensive forest cover and a network of protected areas. Yet, the rising number of deaths highlights the pressures created by expanding human settlements and shrinking natural habitats.

Human-leopard conflict remains a major concern, particularly in areas bordering forests where encounters are becoming more frequent. Leopards often stray into villages in search of food, leading to panic and, in some cases, retaliatory actions by locals. Forest officials have been working to mitigate such incidents through awareness campaigns and rapid response teams, but challenges persist.

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Infrastructure development has also contributed to the problem. Highways and railway lines cutting through forested regions have increased the risk of animal collisions. Additionally, uncovered wells in rural areas continue to pose a deadly trap for wildlife, despite repeated directives to secure them.

Conservationists have called for stronger measures, including better monitoring, habitat protection, and stricter enforcement against poaching. They also stress the need for improved coordination between local communities and authorities to reduce conflict situations.

Officials maintain that while the number of deaths appears high, it must be viewed in the context of the state’s large leopard population. They emphasise that ongoing conservation efforts, including habitat management and rescue operations, are aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of the species.

The data serves as a reminder that even in regions considered wildlife strongholds, sustained efforts are essential to balance development and conservation, and to protect vulnerable species like the leopard from emerging threats.

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