The Elusive Leopard And Why It Matters

Navin Raheja on the elusive leopard and why it matters.

- Navin Raheja

People always ask me which animal gets the most attention in the Indian jungle. The answer is, of course, the tiger, towards whom all cameras turn and who is also the focal point of conservation efforts. With so much community and government attention on the tiger, although fully justified, we have ignored another stunning, enigmatic and skilled predator of the Indian wilds: the leopard. I would like to share my experiences— including a few peculiar ones—with leopards across the country.

Not that leopards are not acknowledged, but the instances are few and far between. Today, this big cat is under threat. A leopard cannot change its spots but humans need to adjust their priorities and give this beautiful cat another chance to survive.