Jaipur: 3,000 people visited Jhalana in July to see leopards

JAIPUR: The wildlife safari at Jhalana Reserve Forest that started two years ago has put leopard sightings in the city on the international circuit of wildlife lovers.
The reserve is witnessing a surge in tourist footfall even during pandemic times.
Located in the heart of the city, Jhalana is said to be the best site for leopard sightings and attracts people from every walks of life, including celebrities, bureaucrats and judges. Chief secretary Niranjan Arya visited the popular reserve on Tuesday.
Tourists rush began during the work from home and has continued unabated since then and over 100 people (maximum capacity) have been availing themselves of the safari facilities daily.

As per the forest department figures, in July 2021, the reserve witnessed 3,284 tourists, highest since the park opened for tourists.
The forest spreads over just 20 sqkm on the Southeast of Jaipur. It houses a healthy population of 41 leopards that are visible to tourists from mere 10-20 feet.
Forest ranger Janeshwar Chaudhary said, “There are 41 leopards in the park including 31 adults and 10 cubs. Apart from leopards, the park has various attractions such as 132 species of avifauna, 220 species of flora, 20 species of reptiles to name a few.”
An official said in a bid to boost leopard conservation in the state, the forest department has also installed camera traps in Jhalana and Amagarh forest reserves to assess their population.
“Taking a cue from the Project Tiger launched by the Centre in 1973, the state had launched the project to conserve leopards, which are plenty in number. The CM had allocated Rs 7 crore for Project Leopard in the 2017-18 budget,” said a forest official.