696 leopards found in Odisha's first state-sponsored census, an increase from 568 in 2022.

Odisha's first state-sponsored leopard census reports a population of 696 leopards, an increase from 568 in 2022. Conducted across 47 forest divisions, the survey identified 200 leopards in Similipal Tiger Reserve and 150 in Satkosia. Notably, 45% of leopards live outside protected areas. The census, aimed at enhancing leopard monitoring, will align with the annual tiger estimation starting next year. The state is focused on wildlife conservation efforts.