Naelliampathy Nature Society activist Sasidharan alleged here on Tuesday that a leopard that was found in a seriously injured condition in Nelliampathy two weeks ago was not being given proper attention by the Forest Department.

The animal, which is under treatment at the Veterinary College at Mannuthy, Thrissur, has been kept in a small cage in which it can barely stand. Mr. Sasidharan said he visited the veterinary centre on Monday and found that the condition of the leopard had deteriorated. The animal had stopped taking food. The Forest Department had also not allotted funds to buy medicines and provide the required staff for its upkeep, he said.

The leopard was found in a critical condition by tea estate workers in Nelliampathy, part of the new Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. It was diagnosed to have consumed poison mixed in cattle meat. The doctors said there were major injuries on its head and neck.

Environmentalists said immediate action should be taken to prevent poaching of wild animals in Nelliampathy, Parambikulam and Vazhachal forest areas falling under the new Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.