Poaching suspected as headless carcass of leopard found in Anamalai

The tribal people noticed the carcass in the canal a few kilometres into the forest cover and thereafter, informed the Forest department staff. 

Following instructions by Ganesan, Field Director, Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), a team of Forest department staff, led by Deputy Director Marimuthu, retrieved the carcass of the animal.  

An examination revealed that the claws in the limbs and the teeth of the animal were missing. Sniffer dog Dixcy, which was brought to the spot, ran for around three kilometres into the jungle, however, then stood clueless. 

A post-mortem was then performed on the animal by Thirukumaran, a veterinarian from the Animal Husbandry department, in the presence of environmentalist Suresh Kumar. Thereafter, the carcass of the animal was burnt. 

According to the Forest staff, it was a female leopard, aged around three years and had died three days ago. The staff held an inquiry with the tribal people to know if there was any movement of suspicious persons in the jungle. The labourers, who were involved in repair works at the Contour Canal, were also questioned. 

Marimuthu said that the leopard could have drowned in the gushing waters in the canal. “The body parts were carved out by miscreants,” he said. The claws and teeth are sold at higher rates in the black market. 

The official said that they have gathered evidence and a special team has been formed to nab the culprits. “An enquiry is underway with the locals, estate workers and others in connection with the case. We will soon arrest the culprits,” Marimuthu said.