NAGPUR: Even as the forest department is celebrating wildlife week amid fanfare, a full-grown leopard was allegedly poached near Dighori village in Lohara round, 60km from here in North Umred range.
According to forest department sources, the leopard is suspected to have been electrocuted 15 days back and the carcass was thrown in the forest near a farm. The officials had information about the incident for the past three days but they could retrieve the putrefied carcass of the animal only on Sunday morning.
Honorary district wildlife warden Roheet Karoo, who visited the spot, said all body parts of the animal were intact. Forest officials were maintaining secrecy in the matter. Nagpur deputy conservator of forests (DyCF) Deepak Bhatt said the leopard was found dead in reserve forest compartment number 371 of Lohara. ACF RD Kharabe is investigating the matter.
Despite tiger and leopard poaching at its peak in the region, foresters doesn't seem to be serious about protection of these animals. The incident once again highlights lack of regular patrolling by field staff in their beats. "It is surprising how the RFO and round officer concerned did not know about the incident for 15 days," said wildlife buffs.
"Both, RFO GV Sanap and Lohara round officer SD Jadhav, don't stay in their headquarters, giving scope for such incidents," said field staff. Both officials were not available for comments.
Sanap has always remained in controversy. In February 2013, he was suspended by principal secretary (forests) Praveen Pardeshi for publicly displaying an ailing leopard cub. The cub died due to delayed treatment.
The alleged leopard poaching comes close on the heels of seizure of two leopard skins on September 12, in adjoining South Umred range, also in Nagpur division. While one person has been arrested, kingpin Shravan Waghmare is still absconding.
