Suspicion deepens over death of a leopard cub in Ganjam

Suspicion has intensified surrounding the death of a leopard cub found near a primary school in Odisha's Ganjam district, as authorities investigate whether the animal died due to natural causes or external factors.

Carcass Found Near School Premises

The carcass of the approximately one-year-old leopard cub was discovered near a primary school in Bajrakot village, located under the Mujagada Range of the North Ghumusar Forest Division in Ganjam. According to reports, the cub was found lying under a bush near the school boundary wall by schoolchildren who were playing after lunch. The students noticed their ball had gone past the boundary wall, and during their search for it, they stumbled upon the carcass. They immediately informed the authorities.

The Forest Department and local residents were alerted to the discovery, and officials promptly arrived at the scene. The carcass was seized, and a post-mortem examination was conducted to determine the cause of death.

Post-Mortem Under NTCA Guidelines

Bhanjanagar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Himansu Sekhar Mohanty confirmed that the post-mortem was conducted following National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines and standard operating procedures. "In the presence of a local Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) member, DFO, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Rangers, and three veterinary surgeons, the post-mortem of the cub was carried out. We will also send parts of the cub for chemical analysis to the Centre for Wildlife Health. The exact cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem reports are received," he stated.

Investigation Underway

Forest officials reported that no visible injuries were found on the cub’s body. Preliminary post-mortem findings suggest that the cub may have developed intestinal parasites, which could have led to a loss of appetite and eventually its death. However, authorities emphasized that the final cause of death will be established only after receiving detailed reports.

Although there had been earlier reports of a leopard killing goats and cattle in the area, there were no confirmed sightings of the animal before the discovery of the cub’s carcass.

Concerns Over Presence of Mother Leopard

The presence of the cub near the village raised concerns among local residents, who feared that the mother leopard might still be in the vicinity. However, the DFO reassured the locals, stating that leopards do not pose a threat to humans and there was no cause for panic.

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The investigation into the cub's death continues as the authorities await the results of the post-mortem and chemical analysis. While initial reports suggest natural causes such as parasitic infection, officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety and resolve any concerns about the potential presence of adult leopards in the area.