Calf killed by leopard in Kannad near Aurangabad’s Autramghat sanctuary

AURANGABAD: A leopard killed a calf near Chapner in the Kannad taluka of Aurangabad district during the wee hours on Thursday.
The incident took place at gut number 247 in a field located around 10km from Gautala Autramghat wildlife sanctuary, which is home to leopards and other wild animals.
The forest department, which carried out panchanma of the incident, has confirmed that the calf was killed by a leopard.
Forester R D Pathan said, “Going by the method of the hunt and other details, a leopard is behind the killing of the calf. The big cat devoured a part of the calf before fleeing from the spot.”
The forest department officials said the cattle owner would get compensation as per the norms.
“After inspection of the dead animal by a veterinary officer, the affected farmer is entitled to financial help which is equal to 75% of the market value of the cattle,” the authorities said.
Assistant conservator of forest (territorial) Sachin Shinde said locals should not panic due to this incident. “The farmers with livestock animals can avoid such incidents by taking necessary precautions. The presence of leopards is essential for the eco-system as they serve as apex predators and keep a check on the number of deers, nilgais, wild boars and other creatures that cause a menace to the farmers,” he said.
Leopards are accorded the highest protection in India having been categorized under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.