Rajasthan
Rajasthan: With 44 big cats, the leopard population booms in Jhalana | Jaipur News
JAIPUR: The female leopards at Jhalana reserve are giving stiff competition to each other in giving birth to cubs.
Recently, leopardess Flora equalled the record of another big cat, LK, of giving birth to 12 cubs in five litters.
Flora, which bore her fifth litter, was captured by tourists on camera on Sunday. Forest ranger Janeshwar Chaudhary said, “The leopardess has given birth to two cubs. The highest number of cubs have been produced by wild cats Flora and LK. The famous Mrs Khan too has, so far, delivered seven litters.”
Wildlife enthusiasts claim that in leopard fraternity, Flora’s popularity is akin to India’s most famous feline ‘Machhli’ of Ranthambore. State wildlife board member Dhirendra said, “A majority of Jhalana’s population consists of Flora’s offspring. All its cubs survived and have become major tourists attractions.”
This year, female leopards have given birth to 12 cubs in Jhalana, taking the big cat population to 44. Though, the birth has elated wildlife lovers, it has worried the managers as the area is bursting at its seams.
A recent study revealed that the density of leopards is too high for an urban jungle. With new cubs being regularly born, sub-adults are getting pushed out. In search of territory, these wild cats venture out and go missing or get killed in territorial fights.
With the leopard population on an upward trajectory, there is an expected spillover to adjoining areas of the reserve. Ideally, one male leopard requires at least 5 sqkm area.
“The department should soon develop the surrounding forest areas, including Galta, which is over 700 hectares. The Jhalana forest area is spread over an area of 20 sqkm and the carrying capacity is far too less,” an official said.
Recently, leopardess Flora equalled the record of another big cat, LK, of giving birth to 12 cubs in five litters.
Flora, which bore her fifth litter, was captured by tourists on camera on Sunday. Forest ranger Janeshwar Chaudhary said, “The leopardess has given birth to two cubs. The highest number of cubs have been produced by wild cats Flora and LK. The famous Mrs Khan too has, so far, delivered seven litters.”
Wildlife enthusiasts claim that in leopard fraternity, Flora’s popularity is akin to India’s most famous feline ‘Machhli’ of Ranthambore. State wildlife board member Dhirendra said, “A majority of Jhalana’s population consists of Flora’s offspring. All its cubs survived and have become major tourists attractions.”
This year, female leopards have given birth to 12 cubs in Jhalana, taking the big cat population to 44. Though, the birth has elated wildlife lovers, it has worried the managers as the area is bursting at its seams.
A recent study revealed that the density of leopards is too high for an urban jungle. With new cubs being regularly born, sub-adults are getting pushed out. In search of territory, these wild cats venture out and go missing or get killed in territorial fights.
With the leopard population on an upward trajectory, there is an expected spillover to adjoining areas of the reserve. Ideally, one male leopard requires at least 5 sqkm area.
“The department should soon develop the surrounding forest areas, including Galta, which is over 700 hectares. The Jhalana forest area is spread over an area of 20 sqkm and the carrying capacity is far too less,” an official said.
