Guwahati Launches First Leopard Estimation Initiative with Infrared Cameras
Leopard Estimation in Guwahati
Guwahati, Jan 10: Nearly 200 infrared cameras have been strategically placed across approximately 100 sites in Guwahati as part of the city's inaugural leopard estimation project. Preliminary findings indicate that leopards are present in nearly all the hills surrounding the city.
The cameras have been set up in critical forest areas, wildlife corridors, and adjacent regions. This research aims to provide essential insights into leopard habitats and movement patterns, thereby enhancing wildlife management and promoting coexistence between humans and leopards, according to officials.
Survey teams have explored all significant hill ranges, including Adingiri, Gotanagar, Nilachal, Kharghuli, Hengerabari, and Bhangagarh.
Evidence of leopard activity, such as pugmarks, scent marks, scat, scratch marks, and rake marks, has been documented at various locations throughout the city, suggesting a robust and widespread leopard population, officials noted.
Additionally, the presence of clouded leopards has been confirmed in Garbhanga.
Officials mentioned, “The cameras were operational for two months and will now be removed. Compiling the data may take about a month.” They emphasized that this marks the first scientific grid-based leopard estimation conducted in eastern India.
Previous research indicated that Guwahati encompasses 18.97 square kilometers of highly suitable leopard habitats.
Analysis revealed that the most favorable areas include Fatasil Hill, Japorigog Hill, and regions within the Amchang Reserve Forest. Furthermore, there is an additional 67.67 square kilometers deemed suitable for leopards, primarily located in or near densely populated areas.
Leopards typically maintain a territory of around 35 square kilometers. This current scientific camera trap study is part of the Assam Project on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation-II, which is funded by AFD.
Fieldwork has seen participation from volunteers from Gauhati University, Pragjyotish College, Dakshin Kamrup College, and Cotton University (MSc students).