Coimbatore: A male leopard which was found near the Sholayar dam residential area within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, died on Thursday after failing to respond to medical treatment.Forest department personnel spotted the ailing leopard in the 40 Colony region near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border within the Manambolly range of the Pollachi forest division in ATR, during a routine patrol. Forest officials immediately cordoned off the area to restrict public access while frontline personnel continuously monitored the leopard.Forest veterinarians from the Pollachi forest division examined the leopard and found that the animal was unable to stand up. Initial medical treatment was administered, however, despite all efforts, the leopard died on Thursday evening.Giridharan, Manambolly forest range officer, said a postmortem will be done shortly to determine the exact cause of its death. He added that it will be held by a team of veterinary doctors in the presence of a constituted committee, adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the National Tiger Conservation Commission (NTCC).He further cautioned that the movement of wild elephants, bears, tigers, and leopards is currently high in the area. He advised estate residents to remain cautious, avoid stepping out during nighttime, and strictly ensure the safety of children.
