Leopard cub found dead in Katarniaghat sanctuary

Pilibhit: A male leopard cub, around five to six months old, was found dead on the edge of Motipur forest range in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Bahraich district, officials said.Villagers on Tuesday spotted the carcass while working in nearby fields and alerted the authorities. Parts of the carcass had been eaten.Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) field director H Rajamohan said pugmarks near the carcass suggested scavenging by jackals or hyenas. An autopsy, conducted in line with National Tiger Conservation Authority protocols, was carried out at the range headquarters by a panel of three veterinarians led by wildlife veterinary officer Dr Deepak Verma.Rajamohan said the cub had deep canine wounds on its neck, likely caused by a tiger or an adult leopard, indicating infighting as the primary cause of death. The cub's canines, claws and fur were found intact. The carcass was cremated after the autopsy, officials said.