The leopard census 2011 revealed 1,160 big cats in the state out of which 290 or a quarter were spotted in revenue areas. Pre-census estimates ahead of Census 2016, to take place between May 20-22, peg a 50% rise.

"We are estimating leopard population between 1,350 and 1,400 out of which 450-odd leopards are estimated to be living outside forest areas closer to human habitat," says a senior forest official who is part of the census team.

"Amreli in Saurashtra and Narmada and Bharuch in south Gujarat have far higher leopard density in revenue areas," the official said.

This growth in revenue areas spells possibility of more incidents of man-animal conflict in future. Currently, on average one leopard attack takes place once in three days in the state. In 2015-16, 12 persons were killed and 107 attacked by leopards.

National Board of Wildlife member and expert on big cats H S Singh said leopards are moving out of sanctuaries in search of food and territory. "Barring Gir which has a rich prey base of ungulates namely deer, rabbits, cheetal and other small animals, the negligible ungulate population in other sanctuaries is forcing leopards to move closer to human habitats in search of prey, especially dogs," Singh said.