A recent wildlife study has revealed that Bengaluru now hosts the highest number of urban leopards in India, overtaking Mumbai. The study highlights the presence of 85 leopards in Bengaluru’s surrounding forest zones, establishing the city as a significant urban biodiversity hotspot.

Key Highlights:

• A 2024–25 camera-trap study led by Dr. Sanjay Gubbi's Holématthi Nature Foundation identified 85 leopards across Bengaluru’s forest fringes.
• Bannerghatta National Park alone hosts about 54 leopards, with around 30 more found in nearby forested areas.
• Mumbai’s leopard population, largely concentrated in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, stands at approximately 54.
• The increasing leopard population reflects improved habitat protection and biodiversity conservation around Bengaluru.
• Experts stress the need for public awareness and urban planning that integrates wildlife corridors to ensure human-leopard coexistence.