Two Leopards Found Dead in Ooty's Kundha Forest Area
In a distressing incident, two leopards were discovered dead in the Kundha forest region near Udhagamandalam, commonly known as Ooty, on Thursday night. The carcasses were found on a private estate located at Manjakombai, sending shockwaves through the local wildlife community and forest authorities.
Details of the Deceased Leopards
The deceased animals included a young female leopard, approximately two years old, and a mature male leopard, estimated to be around six years of age. Both were found in a state that immediately raised concerns among forest officials, prompting a swift response from the authorities.
Suspected Cause: Wild Dog Attack
Kundha forest ranger Selvakumar provided initial insights into the tragic event. "We suspect the leopards were mauled to death by wild dogs, as parts of their backs appeared to have been bitten off. We also found excrement of wild dogs nearby," he stated. Selvakumar further noted that wild dogs have been frequently sighted in the locality over the past month, with reports of their presence in the same area just two days prior to the discovery of the carcasses.
Official Response and Investigation
Following the discovery, a team led by district forest officer Gautham, along with ranger Selvakumar and veterinary doctors, conducted a thorough inspection of the site. The carcasses were subjected to a necropsy, with vital organs sent for detailed testing to ascertain the exact cause of death. After these procedures, the remains were cremated in accordance with standard protocols.
Further investigation is currently underway, as officials await the necropsy reports to confirm the preliminary suspicions. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in human-wildlife conflict and predator interactions in the region, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts.
