Leopard death raises suspicion of poisoning

Bengaluru: A radio-collared leopard found hanging from a tree on the outskirts of Mysore is suspected to have been poisoned by villagers. The incident occurred two weeks ago, when the leopard was reportedly found motionless, suspended from the tree and forest officials quickly lowered the carcass.

Now media reports suggest that the story of a leopard hanging from a tree are not true. The photographs, it is said, were taken by forest officials while lowering the leopard from the tree after tying ropes to its neck and abdomen. The incident occurred in S Kallahalli, outside Mysore City.

Sources from the Forest Department told Deccan Chronicle that the post-mortem report, which will be made public on Monday, contains vital information about the cause of death.

“A sizable quantity of zinc sulfate, a rat poison, has been found in the leopard. The animal may have consumed the poison put there by villagers and later died instantly on the tree in its sleep.”

Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mysore, Mr. V Karikalan said forest officials await the report, which is yet to reach Mysore, after which an investigation will be conducted.

“We are not sure if the leopard was poisoned or died of natural causes. We are waiting for the report which will come on Monday,” he said.

Conservationists pointed out that this is the second leopard death in the last two weeks and in both cases the foresters did not have a clear explanation for their deaths. While the radio- collared leopard was found dead on a tree, the other leopard died after getting entangled in a snare outside Nagarhole Tiger Reserve last week. The foresters claim that the animal may have died in an unsuccessful attempt to cross the wire fence.

Experts say that the leopard was radio-collared and rehabilitated about 30 km away from its home range.

“The leopard was found dead while attempting to make a comeback to its territory. Forest officials must rethink the rehabilitation program given to leopards, since they have often got into conflict with human beings after wandering into residential areas in the past,” said a wildlife expert.