3 year old leopard dies of suffocation in Mendhar forests

Mendhar, May 26: A three year old leopard previously injured in a mine blast died of suffocation at 481-post near Pine wood school in Balakote sector due to forest fire last night, while dozens of others have reportedly moved down in habitations for safety.

Recently forests in Balakote sector were reduced to ashes due to fire which not only put the state at loss in crores but the life of wild animals particularly leopards was also disturbed.

Informed sources said that forest officials have found a three year old leopard, according to officials the leopard was injured in a land mine blast a year back in Balakot sector of Mendhar

After getting reports that a body of leopard was laying at 481 post, Range officer Shamin khan along with other staff of forest and wild life rushed to the spot and take the leopard in possession.

“the same leopard was injured in a mine blast a year ago and has died due to suffocation as the forests recently gutted in a devastating fire” Khan said adding about 30-35 tigers are reported to have moved down to habitations to save their lives which is dangerous for the villagers.

He asked the villagers to take precautions while moving nearer to the jungle area. “we have asked the villagers not to move in late hours and in case of they notice some moment of leopards inform the forest and wild life officials” khan told News Agency of Kashmir.

The body of the leopard in the meanwhile was shifted to nearby forest depot where his body after conducting post mortem was burnt in the safe room.

Dr Hamid who conducts the post mortem of the leopard said that the cause of the death is suffocation due to smoke. “We find smoke traces inside his body and windpipe though the leopard has died of smoke” the doctor added.

The department of wild life has asked the people to remain vigilant and in case of any untoward inform the department. (NAK)