A Wildlife Institute of India study has found declining leopard numbers and prey density in parts of the Similipal-Satkosia landscape in Odisha, raising conservation concerns.

The study, sponsored by the Odisha Forest Department, used camera traps across the Kuldiha and Hadagarh wildlife sanctuaries, the Rebana reserve forest, and the Satkosia and Mahanadi forest divisions. It estimated leopard densities of 17.9 per 100 square kilometres in Satkosia and 11.9 per 100 square kilometres in Mahanadi division.

Researchers identified habitat destruction, poaching and human-wildlife conflict as the main threats. Declining prey populations were flagged as a key factor, since fewer prey animals force leopards closer to villages in search of food.

The study called for systematic long-term monitoring of leopards and their prey across the landscape. It recommended stronger anti-poaching patrols and habitat restoration in the connecting corridors between forests.

Similipal is one of India’s oldest tiger reserves and home to a unique population of melanistic, or black, tigers. The findings add to concerns about large carnivores in Odisha’s forests.