# Ranipur Tiger Reserve Expands Population with Two Rescued Leopards in Chitrakoot > Two male leopards rescued from the Moradabad forest division have been safely released into Chitrakoot's Ranipur Tiger Reserve, bringing the total count to 92. **Type:** article · **Category:** India · **Published:** 2026-09-10 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/national/chitrakuta-ke-ranipur-tiger-reserve-men-barha-kunaba-moradabad-se-lae-gae-do-nae-tendue-30693 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Ranipur Tiger Reserve, Chitrakoot wildlife, leopard rescue, Moradabad forest division, UP forest department Wildlife populations are steadily expanding within the Ranipur Tiger Reserve located in Chitrakoot. In the latest development, two male leopards rescued from the Moradabad forest division have been safely released into the rugged forested terrain along the Dharkundi road in the Kalyanpur beat of the reserve. Both animals were initially captured from separate locations within the Moradabad forest division before being transported under strict official supervision to their new natural habitat. ## Details of the Rescued Leopards from Moradabad According to forest department records, the first male leopard was rescued from the Thakurdwara range area of the Moradabad forest division. This animal was successfully caged on August 17. Following medical examinations, its age was estimated to be around 3 years. Once confirmed to be in good health, officials decided to release it back into the wild. The second male leopard was rescued on August 22 from the village of Sarkanda Param area within the same Moradabad forest division. Department records state that this second leopard is approximately 8 years old. Following the rescue, it was kept secure in a cage, and both animals were eventually brought to the Ranipur Tiger Reserve under continuous monitoring. ## A Favorable Habitat for the Wildlife Both leopards were released into the dense and secluded terrain of the Dharkundi road within the Kalyanpur beat of the Ranipur Tiger Reserve under the Manikpur first range. Forest officials consider this remote jungle area to be highly conducive and favorable for the natural habitat of leopards. As soon as the cage doors were opened, both animals moved swiftly into the wilderness. ## Officials Present During the Release Operation Several frontline and senior forest officials were present during the successful release operation. The team included Manikpur first range forest officer Sushil Kumar Srivastava, Markundi first range forest officer Manoj Kumar Yadav, forest sub-inspector Uday Kumar, along with forest guards Jeet and Mithilesh, who oversaw the safe transition. ## Total Leopard Count Rises in the Reserve Over the past few years, the Ranipur Tiger Reserve has witnessed a consistent rise in its leopard population. Department data indicates that the reserve previously housed a community of about 90 leopards. With the addition of these two newly released male leopards, the total population in the sanctuary has now climbed to approximately 92. ## What this means for you The increase in the leopard population within the Ranipur Tiger Reserve strengthens the local ecosystem and boosts wildlife conservation efforts. - **Across India:** Ongoing initiatives focused on wildlife preservation and habitat protection across reserved forests nationwide receive a significant boost. - **In Chitrakoot:** With more leopards now roaming the local sanctuary, forest authorities have advised villagers and nearby residents to remain vigilant near forested zones. ## Why this happened Increased human activity and urban expansion near natural wildlife habitats often lead leopards to wander into populated zones, prompting forest authorities to rescue and relocate them safely to protected reserves. - **Rescue from Populated Areas:** Following reports of leopard movement in the Thakurdwara and Sarkanda Param areas of the Moradabad division, department teams launched coordinated rescue operations. - **Need for Suitable Habitat:** Healthy rescued wildlife is routinely transferred to dense reserves like Ranipur to provide an environment conducive to their natural survival and behavior. - **Safe Rehabilitation:** After keeping the animals under observation and verifying their health, authorities released them into secure and remote jungle terrain. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. What is the total number of leopards in Ranipur Tiger Reserve now? Following the release of the two new male leopards, the total count in the Ranipur Tiger Reserve has risen to approximately 92. ### 2. Where were these two leopards rescued from? Both male leopards were rescued from different areas within the Moradabad forest division. ### 3. When and where was the first leopard captured? The first male leopard was caged on August 17 from the Thakurdwara range of the Moradabad forest division. ### 4. What is the estimated age of the second leopard? The second male leopard is estimated to be around 8 years old, having been rescued on August 22 from the Sarkanda Param village area. ### 5. Where exactly were the leopards released in Ranipur Tiger Reserve? Both leopards were released into the rugged terrain along the Dharkundi road in the Kalyanpur beat under the Manikpur first range. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._