Leopard cub captured in Alirajpur

Indore: A leopard cub that had caused panic in Jobat area of Alirajpur district for the past 15 days was captured late Tuesday night.

The leopard was frequently sighted near Kanda, Chamarbegda, Banjhabayda and Dehdala villages. The sightings led residents to stay indoors after sunset. Following the reports, the forest department monitored the area and installed cages at strategic locations. Late Tuesday night, the leopard was trapped in one of the cages at Kanda village.

Jobat range officer Aman Singh Baghel said that the leopard had killed a goat, whose owner has been provided compensation. “With help of a team of experts from Indore, the leopard was rescued and is presently kept in the cage” he said adding that on instructions of the seniors, it will soon be released into the jungle.

Indore zoo in-charge Dr Uttam Yadav said the captured leopard is a cub aged between nine months and one year. Initial medical examinations confirmed that the animal has no injury marks. “The rescue team has been advised to search for the cub’s mother in the area. If she is located, the cub will be released back into the wild to reunite with her,” Dr Yadav told TOI.

The decision to prioritize a release into the wild comes amid space constraints at the Indore Zoo.

Dr Yadav noted that the zoo currently houses four leopards under treatment—two are paralysed and two others, rescued as injured cubs, are kept in cells. Due to the lack of space, the zoo is currently only accepting animals in immediate need of medical intervention.

Forest officials have urged villagers to remain vigilant and avoid entering forest areas alone while the search for the adult leopard continues.