Haveri: A male leopard, estimated to be between two and three years old, was found dead in a forest near Ramteertha village in Hangal taluk of Haveri district on Saturday.
109 within the Dasarathkoppa patrol limits of the Aregoppa section in the Hangal forest range. Officials said the final cause can be confirmed only after the laboratory report is received. Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news.
Forest authorities said there was no evidence of human involvement or poaching at the site. The carcass was spotted in the reserved forest area under Survey No. Forest officials rushed to the spot and initiated procedures as per the Standard Operating Procedure under the guidance of senior department officials. A post-mortem examination was conducted in the presence of veterinary officers, forest personnel, the president of the taluk farmers’ association and village leaders. During the examination, officials found injuries on the leopard’s body, which are suspected to have been sustained during a territorial fight with another leopard. Based on preliminary observations, forest officials believe the animal may have succumbed to those injuries. To ascertain the exact cause of death, tissue and other samples have been collected and sent to the forensic science laboratory (FSL) for detailed analysis. Following the postmortem, the carcass was cremated and disposed of as per established protocol under official supervision. Download the TOI App.