Changing Conservation Context
Sunabeda Sanctuary as an Emerging Leopard Landscape: Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in western Odisha has recently gained attention as an emerging habitat for leopards. The sanctuary lies in Nuapada district and spreads over nearly 600 square kilometres of forested terrain. For many years, conservation work here was disrupted due to Left-wing extremism, limiting scientific access.
The declaration of the area as Maoist-free has altered the conservation landscape. Forest officials can now access interior forest blocks without security concerns. This shift has opened the door for systematic wildlife monitoring and renewed ecological assessment.
Static GK fact: Odisha shares forest corridors with Chhattisgarh, enabling inter-state wildlife movement for large carnivores.
Camera Traps Reveal Leopard Presence
Recent findings from the ongoing all-India tiger estimation exercise indicate a strong leopard presence in Sunabeda. Though official figures are awaited, forest officials estimate that more than 70 leopards may inhabit the sanctuary. Nearly 90 per cent of camera traps installed recorded leopard images or indirect signs.
Such high capture rates suggest a stable and possibly expanding population. The district has also reported frequent man–leopard conflict incidents, often considered an indicator of sustained carnivore presence in forest-edge landscapes.
Static GK Tip: Leopards are among the most adaptable big cats and often survive in landscapes where tigers decline.
Security Improvement and Scientific Monitoring
Earlier, nearly half of the sanctuary area was inaccessible due to Maoist influence. Camera traps were frequently damaged or removed, and patrolling was minimal. Forest staff avoided interior zones, creating large data gaps in wildlife assessment.
With improved security, officials have now installed camera traps across all forest ranges. This has enabled more reliable data on both carnivore and herbivore populations. The absence of human interference has significantly strengthened ecological monitoring.
Habitat Quality and Prey Availability
According to forest officials, improved habitat management has enhanced prey density in the sanctuary. Sunabeda supports species such as spotted deer, sambar, chowsingha, wild boar, and Indian bison. This prey base forms the ecological foundation for sustaining large carnivores.
Reduced disturbance, coupled with prey abundance, makes the sanctuary favourable for leopards. The forest structure includes dry deciduous vegetation, hill ranges, and water sources, supporting year-round wildlife movement.
Static GK fact: A healthy prey–predator ratio is essential for sustaining carnivore populations in protected areas.
Tiger Prospects and Landscape Connectivity
Sunabeda is officially recognised as a proposed tiger reserve. A 2016 state census recorded four tigers, but the latest national assessment released in July 2024 reported none. Experts attribute this decline to prolonged insurgency since 2009, which weakened protection infrastructure.
The sanctuary shares contiguous forest cover with Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary, offering landscape-level connectivity. Conservationists believe that improved security and habitat recovery could support future recolonisation by tigers.
Static GK Tip: Landscape connectivity is critical for tiger dispersal and long-term genetic viability.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Sunabeda Sanctuary as an Emerging Leopard Landscape:
| Topic | Detail |
| Location | Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, Nuapada district, Odisha |
| Area | Approximately 600 square kilometres |
| Key Species | Leopard, deer species, wild boar, Indian bison |
| Conservation Status | Proposed tiger reserve |
| Recent Development | Declared Maoist-free, improved monitoring |
| Monitoring Method | Extensive camera trap surveys |
| Ecological Significance | High prey density and carnivore adaptability |
| Landscape Link | Connectivity with forests of Chhattisgarh |
