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According to the latest figures that have come to light through the RTI Act, roughly 149 leopards have lost their lives in Madhya Pradesh in just 14 months starting from January 2025. The shocking statistic highlights the concern for the safety of one of the most versatile large cat species in India. Collisions with vehicles on roads become the primary reason for deaths caused to leopards.

The statistics, released due to an RTI application submitted by Ajay Dube, a wildlife activist, suggest that there is a grave threat to leopards in Madhya Pradesh. While conservationists regard the situation as alarming, forest officials argue that the deaths are within the acceptable range considering the large number of these animals and their interaction with humans.

According to a report published by the , as per the official explanation, about one-third of the deaths recorded had been related to accidents involving vehicles, with some deaths having occurred due to the movement of highways in forested regions. It was also stated that at least 19 deaths had been caused by incidents involving vehicles on the highways alone.

Natural factors such as disease and aging had resulted in about one-fourth of the deaths recorded. In addition to this, one-fifth of the deaths were due to conflicts within the species such as territorial fighting. Such conflicts have been common among wild animals competing for territories.

Human activities like poaching and retaliatory killings have also caused many deaths. Leopards have sometimes been electrocuted either by mistake or deliberately, while others have been caught up in traps. Another nine percent of deaths could not be explained.


As per the report, forest officials have initiated effective programs to decrease such deaths. It is important to note that unlike many other species, leopards are very adaptive creatures and can be found in various regions in the state and near human settlements as well.

The forest department has made several attempts to curb such accidents by building passageways for animals in the construction of new roads, putting up warnings in protected wildlife areas, and patrolling vulnerable sites. Such steps have been undertaken to not only decrease such accidents but also human-wildlife conflict.

It is noteworthy that the state is known for its rich wildlife, especially leopards, in India. According to the Status of Leopards in India 2022 report, which was published in 2024, Madhya Pradesh hosts around 3,907 leopards, which is the highest in India. It is higher than 3,421 reported in 2018 and creates difficulties in contemporary times.

Nevertheless, it has been noticed that while an increased population is certainly a positive aspect regarding conservation achievements, it increases the contact between wildlife and humans. Leopards that are able to survive in fragmented areas often move through cultivated fields, settlements, and highway systems, making them vulnerable to road accidents and human encounters.

The latest numbers definitely stress the need for balancing growth and wildlife movement routes. With infrastructure development continuing to progress, the protection of animal routes will become increasingly important for maintaining healthy populations.

Even though the authorities remain optimistic regarding their steps towards mitigation of the problem, it is evident that any conservation will have to adapt to new challenges posed by the dynamic environment.