Research conducted using 48 camera traps in the Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary in Sagaing Region found that between one and three leopards inhabit every 48 square kilometers of the sanctuary.
The sanctuary, located east of the Chindwin River in Hkamti and Homalin townships, was surveyed during 2025–2026. Researchers deployed 48 automatic camera traps for 60 days across the Nam Pugon Creek and Nam Ee Zu Creek areas, successfully documenting leopard activity in the protected forest.
The study was carried out to assess not only leopard populations and habitats, but also the condition of vegetation and food sources in the area, with findings from the camera traps intended to support future conservation management.
“Based on data collected from both survey areas in Htamanthi Sanctuary, we estimate that between one and three leopards live within every 48 square kilometers,” an official from the sanctuary’s administration office said. “However, to determine whether the leopard population is increasing or declining, simultaneous surveys across the entire sanctuary would be needed.”
The leopard is classified as a Vulnerable (VU) species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and is listed as a fully protected wild animal under Myanmar’s biodiversity and conservation laws.
