Scientists find 75-90 % decline in Leopard population in India
Bengaluru, Feb 7: Leopard population has declined 75-90 per cent in India, according to a study which has suggested that the carnivore demand similar conservation attention like tigers in the country.
The study was conducted by scientists from the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS India) and the Wildlife Institute of India.
The scientists have used genetic data from leopards sampled across the Indian subcontinent to investigate population structure and patterns of demographic decline, a CWS India press release said.
They investigated the demographic history of each identified subpopulations and compared genetic decline analyses with countrywide local extinction probabilities.
The study was conducted by Supriya Bhatt, Suvankar Biswas, Dr Bivash Pandav, Dr Samrat Mondol (all from Wildlife Institute of India) and Dr Krithi K Karanth (Centre for Wildlife Studies).
They collected faecal samples and identified 56 unique individuals using a panel of 13 microsatellite markers, and merged this data with already available 143 leopard individuals.
The study revealed population structure and recent decline in leopards.
"Coalescent simulations with microsatellite loci revealed, across India, a possibly human-induced 7590 per cent population decline between approximately 120200 years ago," it said.
The population-specific estimates of genetic decline are in concordance with ecological estimates of local extinction probabilities in these subpopulations, it was stated.
"Our results are both interesting and alarming- using two different methodological approaches we have established that even one most adaptable big cats in India has experienced decline in population structure and distribution," Krithi K Karanth, Chief Conservation Scientist at Bengaluru-based CWS, said.
The study suggested that leopards demand similar conservation attention like tigers in India.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
New safety wristbands launched for children at Makkah’s Grand Mosque
Riyadh: Authorities in Saudi Arabia have introduced a new safety measure to protect the youngest visitors at the Grand Mosque in Makkah by distributing free identification wristbands to families.
This initiative, led by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, aims to prevent children from getting lost in the massive crowds and ensures they can be quickly reunited with their guardians if they wander off. By providing a simple way for staff to contact parents immediately, the program offers peace of mind to pilgrims during the busy Umrah and Hajj seasons.
The process for obtaining a bracelet is straightforward and designed for convenience, as families can pick them up directly upon arrival at the mosque’s main entrances. There is no need for online registration or any advance payment, as the service is completely free.
According to reports, dedicated desks have been set up at major entry points, such as the King Abdulaziz Gate and King Fahd Gate, where staff members help parents fill out the necessary details.
The child’s name and a guardian’s mobile phone number are recorded on the band, which is then securely fastened to the child’s wrist before they enter the prayer areas.
While the system is available for all visitors, officials especially urge parents to use it during peak times like Ramadan or the annual Hajj pilgrimage when the crowds are most dense.
