A tragic incident has been reported from the Coimbatore district, where a leopardess drowned after getting trapped in the contour canal of the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP). The canal traverses through the critical reserve forest areas of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR).

According to ATR authorities, the carcass was located around 4 p.m. on Tuesday during a routine patrol by field staff in the Boothagundu reserve forest, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Pollachi forest range. The discovery has sent shockwaves through the local conservation community.

Autopsy and Forensic Findings

On Wednesday, a veterinarian conducted a thorough post-mortem examination in the presence of ATR officials and representatives from various non-governmental organizations. The autopsy revealed that the leopardess's teeth and claws were intact, suggesting no struggle with another predator prior to death.

The autopsy indicates that the carnivore likely drowned in the upper reaches of the canal several days ago and was subsequently washed downstream to Boothagundu.

To ensure a comprehensive investigation, samples were collected from the carcass for histopathological and forensic analysis. Following the medical examination, the carcass was cremated in strict accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such incidents highlight the growing threat posed by large-scale irrigation infrastructure cutting through wildlife corridors. The PAP contour canal, while vital for agriculture, acts as a lethal barrier for large mammals like leopards and elephants, necessitating immediate structural interventions like escape ramps.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How did the leopardess die?
The autopsy confirmed that the leopardess died due to drowning in the PAP contour canal.

2. Was it a predator attack?
No, the intact condition of its teeth and claws suggests the death was accidental rather than a result of a fight.