Leopard Numbers Rise in Lankamala Forest Region

Kadapa: The number of leopards in the Lankamala forest region of Kadapa district appears to have increased significantly, according to forest officials, based on recent wildlife monitoring carried out as part of the nationwide tiger census.

A large number of camera traps were installed across forest areas during the nearly 40-day exercise. Besides tigers, the cameras captured several other wild animals, including frequent sightings of leopards in the Lankamala region.

"Leopards were repeatedly captured in camera traps set up in the Lankamala forest area. The data indicates a noticeable increase in their presence compared to previous years," a Lankamala forest range officer said.

Officials said the images and data collected from the camera traps have been sent to the Tiger Reserve bio-lab at Srisailam for detailed analysis.

Forest authorities have also identified leopard habitation in the forest area near Chintarajupalle village in Ontimitta mandal of Kadapa district. Multiple leopard sightings have been reported from the area in recent days.

"Leopards have been spotted in considerable numbers in the Chintarajupalle forest area over the past few days, suggesting that the region is emerging as a stable habitat for the species," an official said.

Meanwhile, the Forest Department has imposed entry restrictions in key forest regions, including Srisailam, Badvel, Atmakur and Nagarjuna Sagar, to minimise disturbance to wildlife during the tiger breeding season.

"This is the breeding season for tigers, and they avoid human disturbance during this period. The restrictions have been imposed as a precautionary measure," the Atmakur forest ranger said.

In a related development, leopards have also been sighted several times in Sunnipenta under the Srisailam forest division in recent weeks. Officials believe the increasing sightings indicate a healthy rise in the leopard population and improving habitat conditions across these forest regions.