Camera Traps Confirm Leopard Presence in Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
Camera traps find leopard presence in Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
Image: Hindustan Times
Camera traps have confirmed the presence of leopards in Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary in Chandigarh, India, marking the first systematic evidence of these big cats in the area. The survey, conducted from November 20 to 27, 2025, indicates a healthy ecosystem, with leopards operating away from human activity, suggesting effective habitat protection.
- 01The survey deployed 18 camera traps for 125 trap nights, resulting in 466 independent wildlife captures.
- 02Leopards were identified through their unique rosette patterns, confirming their presence after years of indirect signs.
- 03The study recorded 16 mammalian species, an increase from 14 species documented in 2021, indicating improving habitat conditions.
- 04Researchers estimated a sambar deer density of approximately 22 individuals per square kilometer, sufficient to support large predators.
- 05The survey also documented 132 bird species, 73 butterfly species, and 13 species of reptiles and amphibians, making it the most comprehensive biodiversity assessment in Chandigarh.
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A recent biodiversity survey conducted from November 20 to 27, 2025, has confirmed the presence of leopards in Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh, India, through camera trap images showing two adult male leopards. This marks the first systematic evidence of leopards in the area, following years of indirect signs like pugmarks and scat. The survey, a collaboration between the department of forest & wildlife and the Wildlife Institute of India, deployed 18 camera traps over 125 trap nights, capturing 466 independent wildlife images. Naturalist Vikram Jit Singh highlighted that the leopards are operating deep within forested areas, away from human activity, indicating a well-balanced habitat. The findings reflect improving ecological conditions, with 16 mammalian species recorded, up from 14 in 2021, and a sufficient prey base, particularly sambar deer. Additionally, the survey documented 132 bird species, 73 butterfly species, and 13 species of reptiles and amphibians, making it the most comprehensive biodiversity assessment in Chandigarh to date.
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The confirmation of leopards in Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary suggests a thriving ecosystem, which can enhance conservation efforts and promote biodiversity in the region.
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