Two forest officials have identified that probably a territorial battle might have resulted in the death of the leopard, after it was found dead in Lormi forest range, in Mungeli Forest Division. The other leopard is thought to have been wounded and to have attempted to retreat into the woods.
The officials of forest department say that the carcass was found close to barrier area in Kanchanpur on Wednesday evening in one of the forest compartment. The local watchman noticed the bear and promptly alerted the authorities and a team in the forest was able to reach the location and set up the area.
Initial investigations indicate at this point the death was likely caused by a territorial dispute fight between the two leopards. Animals’ loud calls and noises similar to a furious fight were later detected by local villagers in the forests at the time of the incident.
Still, officials reported that, after days of looking, the second leopard has not been found. Timely monitoring is underway in the surrounding area by forest officers, to keep an eye on the injured animal and observe his condition.
A team of wildlife experts at Kanan Pendari will study the leopard’s body. Forest authorities said it is only following a detailed post-mortem examination and forensic assessment that the exact cause of his death could be confirmed.
Territorial fights aren’t rare occurrences in a woodland habitat, and they can sometimes lead to serious injury or death, the wildlife experts report. All causes will be explored before a conclusion is drawn, however, officials have said.
The forest department has started a formal investigation and beefed-up surveillance in the area, pending the post-mortem report.