Ailing leopard at Pench euthanised after treatment makes no progress
   Date :08-Apr-2024

Ailing leopard at Pench euthanised  
 
 
 
 
Staff Reporter
 
 
An ailing leopard was euthanised following the impossibility of its further treatment at Pench Tiger Reserve. The leopard was critically injured after being hit by a vehicle and had multiple fractures in its jaw, ribs and spine. It was undergoing treatment for 18-days but there was no possibility of recovery in future. According to the Pench Tiger Reserve administration, on March 19, they received information from Circle Officer of Rukhad Buffer Area that a leopard was injured after being hit by unidentified vehicle in Gandatola village on NH-44 passing through the Pench Tiger Reserve. Receiving the information, forest team comprised of rescue squad and Veterinarian Dr Akhilesh Mishra reached the spot. In prima facie of the investigation, team found that the leopard was critically injured and had profuse bleeding.
 
Taking a serious note on the critical condition of leopard, a rescue team under the supervision of Senior Veterinarian, the leopard was shifted at Veterinary Hospital Khawasa for treatment. During the treatment, leopard was unable in eating and drinking and given nutrients through medicine and saline. Condition of leopard was deteriorated as its jaw, ribs and spine were critically fractured. Pointing out the condition of leopard, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Custodian Madhya Pradesh constituted a team of five veterinarians for treatment of leopard. The team forwarded its report that the treatment of leopard was not possible due to multiple fractures and it also helpless in eating or drinking. Taking cognizance on the report, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Madhya Pradesh and Chief Wildlife Custodian Madhya Pradesh released order for euthanizing the ailing leopard under Section 11(1)(A) of Wildlife Protect Act 1972.