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Forest department personnel laying a trap to ensnare a wild leopard in Dimapur.[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Sep. 19: Authorities are still trying to trap the wild leopard that attacked and killed livestock at Purana Bazaar-B (under Chumoukedima block) on September 17, according to Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC), Chumoukedima, Thejavizo Nakhro.
Nakhro told Eastern Mirror that using pugmark analysis, wildlife experts have ascertained that it belong to a leopard. He informed that the wildlife warden along with officials from various branches of the Forest department were at the spot on Wednesday. He further informed that a cage trap has been laid, and a tranquilising team is on standby in case of any emergency.
The Wildlife Warden of Dimapur, H Tokaho Kinimi also informed that there were no report of sighting the animal on Thursday; and that the department is monitoring the area. “Eight camera traps have been set today (Thursday). We have ascertained it to be an adult leopard through pugmarks,” said Kinimi.
He further informed that the village council members have been advised to spread awareness and safety measures to the residents and is scheduled to meet with the warden on Friday. “The council and residents have been very cooperative from the start and have rendered assistance in searching for the animal,” maintained Kinimi.
The Chief Wildlife Warden of Nagaland, Ved Pal also spoke to Eastern Mirror. When queried what will happen to the leopard if and when it is captured, Pal replied that if the big cat is not injured then it will released to the wild at a suitable location; and if found injured, it will be examined after which it will be sent to a zoo or a rehabilitation centre.