Jan 28, 2024, 08:32 IST
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Shamli: Poachers’ traps, intended for wild boars, unexpectedly ensnared two leopards in Shamli and Baghpat districts, prompting a wildlife rescue team from Meerut to intervene.
According to forest officials, both trapped leopards are currently undergoing health tests, and on receiving health clearance, they will be released back into the forest.
In the first incident at Sunna village in Shamli district, locals informed forest officials about a trapped leopard around 10pm on Friday.
Toncerned
District forest officer (Shamli) Jaydev Singh said, “We received information and immediately dispatched a team from Meerut, which reached the spot around 2am on Saturday. The leopard was safely transferred to a secure enclosure.” In the other incident on Saturday morning in Shahpur Ban Ganga village field of Baghpat’s Binoli area, a second leopard was rescued from a trap set for illegal hunting. District forest officer (Baghpat) Vandana Phogat said, “Locals reported a trapped leopard, and an expert team conducted a meticulous operation to successfully rescue the injured animal. The leopard is currently under medical observation and treatment.” The Shamli leopard is identified as a female, approximately two and a half years old, while the Baghpat leopard is a male of around one and a half years. Both leopards sustained injuries while trying to free themselves from the traps.
Authorities are investigating the traps set in farmers’ fields, initially targeting wild boars and nilgai. Additionally, efforts are under way to scrutinise the activities of poachers engaged in illegal wildlife hunting in these areas. Notably, leopard sightings in Shamli and Baghpat districts are rare occurrences, according to locals.
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