CARCASS of a leopard was found near Salhebhatta in Compartment No. 645 (6), Mochidadar Beat, Kisli Forest Range under Kanha Tiger Reserve. Prima facie of the investigation suggested that the leopard was killed after being attacked by a tiger. The carcass was first sighted by the forest patrolling team and immediately informed the senior officers. Learning about the incident, officers along with the team of veterinarians and sniffer dogs reached the spot and started investigations. According to Kanha Tiger Reserve administration, following the guidelines issued by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), New Delhi and Office of Chief Wildlife Warden, Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, forest officials immediately secured the site. A detailed search of the area and its surroundings was conducted with the help of a dog squad.

 

During the investigation, evidence of tiger presence was found at the spot. Post-mortem of deceased leopard was conducted by Dr Sandeep Agrawal, Wildlife Veterinarian, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Mandla, along with Dr Deepali Parte, Veterinary Officer, Bichhiya, Dr Vishal Udde, Veterinary Officer, Bichhiya and Dr Sunil Goyal, Veterinary Officer, Mocha. All body parts of the leopard were found intact. However, during post-mortem, bite marks of a tiger were found on leopard’s head, indicating that the leopard likely died due to a tiger attack. As per prescribed procedure, cremation of the carcass was carried out in the presence of senior forest officials and other representatives, including Mastram Baghel, Chief Conservator of Forests, Jabalpur, Puneet Goyal, Deputy Director (Core), Suraj Singh Sendram, Assistant Director, Banjar, NTCA representative Shivangi Bendre and others