Bengaluru emerges as India’s leopard capital among metros

Bengaluru has surpassed Mumbai to become the metropolitan city with the highest number of free-ranging leopards. A year-long camera trap survey by the Holematthi Nature Foundation documented 85 leopards across the outskirts of the Karnataka capital, outnumbering Mumbai’s count of 54 around Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

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The study covered 282 sq km of mixed habitats, including Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) and forest patches across South, North, and East Bengaluru. A total of 250 camera traps were deployed across areas like Turahalli, Sulikere, and Hesaraghatta. Of the 85 leopards recorded, 54 were found within BNP, while the rest were distributed across forested stretches beyond the park boundaries.

South Bengaluru showed a higher leopard density due to relatively undisturbed forest cover. Researchers noted a steady rise in the leopard population at BNP—from 40 in 2019 to 54 in 2025—attributed to improved prey availability and effective habitat protection. Limited translocation of conflict leopards from other districts also contributed to the growth.

Alongside leopards, 34 other mammal species were captured on camera, including tigers, dholes, elephants, and pangolins. Conservationists stress the urgent need to protect key forested areas, particularly in South Bengaluru. Recommendations include notifying regions like BM Kaval and Gollahalli Gudda as conservation reserves, expanding BNP’s boundaries, and preserving vital wildlife corridors.

Community engagement and habitat protection are considered critical for sustaining this unique urban-wildlife interface.