Leopardess found dead in canal, cub spotted wandering nearby

Pilibhit: A leopardess's carcass was found floating in the Banjaria minor canal near the Mala forest range of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Friday morning, while a leopard cub was seen wandering among dry sugarcane leaves outside a wheat field two kilometres away in Gyohana village.
Villagers discovered the three- to four-day-old carcass at 8 am and alerted authorities.
A panel of three veterinary officers, including Dr. Daksh Gangwar of PTR and two from the animal husbandry department, conducted the autopsy in the presence of DFO Bharat Kumar, WWF-India project officer Naresh Kumar, and representatives from the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the state's Chief Wildlife Warden, following standard procedures.
Dr. Gangwar estimated the leopardess to be 1.5 to 2 years old, with all body parts, including canines and claws, intact. She appeared healthy, with no visible internal or external injuries.
Since no apparent cause of death was found, brain and viscera samples were preserved for toxicology and infection tests. "These examinations are crucial to determine if the big cat was poisoned," he said.
Meanwhile, forest officials installed two camera traps and deployed monitoring teams to locate the cub's mother, as she is likely nearby. The teams were also instructed to protect the cub and monitor its movement, ensuring its safety.
Deputy range officer Sher Singh said the cub, only a month old, is unable to move properly, raising survival concerns.
"The nearest Mala forest range of PTR is about three kilometres from the spot, making it difficult for the mother to carry the cub that far in one attempt. She and her cub need full protection from villagers and threats like jackals and feral dogs," he said.