Itanagar: A rare melanistic leopard, found injured in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit district, has tragically passed away.
The leopard, discovered on December 6th along the Tezu-Sunpura road, was taken to the Roing mini zoo for treatment. Despite the best efforts of veterinary professionals, the animal succumbed to its injuries.
A postmortem examination revealed a shocking discovery: 20 bullets or pellets lodged in the leopard’s skull and torso. This grim finding strongly suggests that the animal was intentionally shot, highlighting a serious threat to wildlife conservation in the region.
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden has ordered the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. A dedicated investigation team, led by the Conservator of Forests and Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve Field Director, has been formed to delve into the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The melanistic leopard, a majestic and elusive creature, is listed as a Schedule-1 species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This classification underscores its critical conservation status and the severe consequences for those who harm or kill these animals.
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