A grim discovery was made in the lush forests of the Nilgiris this week, highlighting the ongoing challenges of wildlife conservation. The highly decomposed remains of a leopard were found on a rocky slope, prompting an immediate response from forest authorities and a detailed investigation to determine the cause of death.
Discovery and Initial Response
On Monday, field staff from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department made the unsettling find on the Paralarai slope within the Kattabettu forest range. The location is near the popular hill station of Udhagamandalam, commonly known as Ooty. According to Kattabettu Forest Range Officer (FRO) Srinivasan, the team was alerted to the scene after detecting an unusual and strong odour emanating from the area. Upon inspection, they discovered the carcass in an advanced state of decomposition among the rocks.
Official Post-Mortem and Findings
Following the discovery, a formal necropsy was conducted on Tuesday morning by local veterinarians from the animal husbandry department. The procedure was carried out meticulously in accordance with the strict protocols set by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The examination was witnessed by forest officials and representatives from several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to ensure transparency.
FRO Srinivasan provided the preliminary findings from the post-mortem. He stated that the leopard was estimated to be between 3 to 4 years old. However, due to the severe decomposition of the body, the officials were unable to determine the gender of the animal. This is a common challenge when dealing with carcasses exposed to the elements for an extended period.
Further Analysis and Disposal
To gain more clarity on the circumstances leading to the leopard's death, samples from the animal's vital organs were carefully collected. These samples have been sent for further laboratory testing, which may reveal potential causes such as disease, poisoning, or evidence of conflict. After the necropsy was complete and all necessary samples were secured, the forest department followed standard protocol. The remains of the leopard were cremated at the very site where they were found, a practice aimed at preventing any potential spread of pathogens and respecting the natural cycle.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the fragile existence of India's majestic big cats, even within protected forest ranges. The Nilgiris biosphere is a critical habitat for a variety of wildlife, and the forest department's swift action underscores the ongoing efforts in monitoring and protecting these vulnerable species.
