Leopard Search Continues in Kadiyam Nurseries, No Traces Found

Vijayawada: Foresters have not found any trace of the leopard in and around plant nurseries of Kadiyam near Rajamahendravaram of East Godavari district. Heavy rains are suspected to have obliterated the wild animal’s pug marks.

Following reports of the leopard being spotted around the Kadiyam nurseries, forest officials have set up a trap cage with live bait, five CCTV camera traps and nearly 40 camera traps. They are also checking out the feed from about 30 CCTV cameras of private plant nurseries. However, they could find no trace of the carnivore on Friday.

Kakinada district forest officer S. Bharani said, “We have not found any trace of the leopard at Kadiyam nurseries. We suspect it could be heading towards Godavari river islands.” These islands downstream of the river near Konaseema have plenty of deer. There is also thick vegetation for the leopard to move about without revealing itself.

Forest authorities have dismissed rumours of the leopard being traced in Ravulapalem and Chebrolu.

The leopard is believed to be from the Papikonda National Park. It might have strayed into the reserve forest area at Diwan Cheruvu. It moved towards Kadiyam nurseries, located nearly 30 km away.

Foresters believe it could be exploring a new territory and looking for a mate, as it finds no competition from another male leopard.

Residents of the area around Kadiyam nurseries are, however, in a grip of fear. They have restricted their movement and are mostly remaining indoors for safety.

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