Leopard Found Dead Near India-Nepal Border in Bahraich District

Incident Overview
In the Bahraich district, a male leopard was discovered deceased close to the India-Nepal border within the Katarnia Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary. This information was confirmed by a forest department official on Sunday.
Possible Cause of Death
The official speculated that the leopard may have died due to a confrontation with a tiger or another large animal. B. Shivshankar, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), informed reporters that the leopard was found on Saturday by forest personnel who were patrolling the border area.
Investigation and Autopsy
Upon reaching the scene, officials conducted a preliminary investigation and took possession of the deceased leopard, transporting it to the range office. The DFO stated that three veterinarians performed an autopsy on the leopard following the National Tiger Conservation Authority's standard operating procedures, after which the animal was cremated.
Further Analysis
The DFO mentioned that the leopard, estimated to be around eight years old, had its viscera preserved for detailed examination at IVRI in Bareilly. The autopsy report indicated that the cause of death was a punctured trachea. Shivshankar noted that based on the site inspection and initial autopsy findings, it is believed that the leopard's death resulted from an encounter with a tiger or another large animal, and no body parts were missing.
Wildlife Statistics
Previously, on Monday, DFO B. Shivshankar had stated that the Katarnia Ghat forest division spans approximately 550 square kilometers. In this area, a tiger typically claims a territory of about 25 square kilometers, often driving leopards away. Since the beginning of 2025, four leopards, one tiger, and one elephant have been found dead in various parts of the Katarnia Ghat forest division, with the leopard's death marking the fifth incident. In 2024, four leopards and one tiger were also reported dead in the same region. Current estimates suggest that around 100 leopards and 70-80 tigers inhabit the Katarnia Ghat forests, with an additional 150 leopards possibly residing in adjacent rural areas.