Leopard carcass found near BRT Tiger Reserve, officials suspect poisoning

Chamarajanagar (Karnataka), Jul 12 (PTI) A leopard's carcass was found at a stone quarry in an area near Kothalavadi village, which falls under the jurisdiction of BRT Tiger Reserve here, officials said on Saturday.

The male leopard, which was around five to six years old, should have been poisoned to death, they suspect.

According to the forest department, the carcasses of a dog and a calf were found near the carcass of the leopard on Thursday.

Based on a preliminary inquiry, a case has been registered and a probe initiated, a senior department official said.

"A post-mortem has been conducted. We have collected samples and sent them to the forensic lab in Mysuru for examination. Based on the reports, we will take further action," he said.

This incident comes close on the heels of the death of a female tigress and her four cubs in the Hugyam range of the MM Hills on June 26. PTI AMP ADB