The population of leopards outside protected forest areas in Uttarakhand has remained substantially higher than the population of the spotted feline in protected areas. According to forest department statistics, out of the total 2,335 leopards counted in the State in the 2008 census, only 593 were counted inside protected areas whereas 1,742 were counted outside protected areas.

According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority member and former honorary wildlife warden of the Corbett National Park, Brijendra Singh, the prey base of the leopard has been decimated in its natural habitat, especially in forests near villages.

This is one of the major factors causing leopards to stray into human habitations to prey on domesticated animals and in some cases on humans.

The resulting rise in conflict with humans is turning the leopard into a villain for the general public even though the feline is being forced to stray out of protected areas in order to survive due to anthropogenic factors.

Leopard sightings and occasional incursions have become more frequent in different suburban areas of Dehradun due to such factors.

The tiger has elicited greater focus than the leopard not only because of its national animal status but also due to its fewer numbers. According to the 2008 census there were nearly 200 tigers in Uttarakhand whereas the leopard population was 2,335.

As leopards are more adaptable to different environments they are involved in a greater number of conflicts with humans as compared to tigers. Since 2001, 204 humans have been killed and 363 injured by leopards in the State.

During this time period, a total of 566 leopard deaths were recorded and 90 leopards declared man-eaters. The forest department has established two transit rehabilitation centres for problem big cats with one each in Almora and Haridwar forest divisions which are not yet in use. In addition to these, six such centres are proposed to be established across the State with funds provided by the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority.

According to NTCA member Brijendra Singh, leopards are bound to stray out of protected areas because the prey base in their natural habitats has been decimated by poaching and other factors. The leopards preyed on goral, deer and even pheasants but the population of these creatures has been decimated due to which leopards are straying closer to human habitations to prey on domestic animals like dogs and cattle.

Leopards frequently visiting human habitations might at times also start preying on humans starting with children then moving on to women and men, in that order. However, such problem felines can be used to generate income through well-regulated safari parks which will also ensure their preservation, Singh said.