Leaving a major statement to people proving that the land indeed belongs to the wild animals, a leopard has given birth to two cubs in a Reserve Forest land leased out to a cement manufacturer in Madukkarai here.
Coimbatore, Jan. 10
Leaving a major statement to people proving that the land indeed belongs to the wild animals, a leopard has given birth to two cubs in a Reserve Forest land leased out to a cement manufacturer in Madukkarai here.
The leopardess was found roaming in the forested landscape currently in the control of ACC mines. It was sighted first by locals who went to collect limestone powder near the mines recently.
While the presence of a predator in the area has instilled a fear amongst the locals, it has also brought to light various positive and negative happenings in Madukkarai.
The presence of a big cat with cubs is surely an indication of the richness of the biodiversity in the forests, however, one of the reasons why the animal took the risk of crossing the Palakkad Main Road and giving birth to her offspring so close to human habitation, looks threatening.
Simplicity had earlier reported that dumping of poultry waste on the forest boundary had invariably invited wild bohrs to human habitation and and it was reported that leopard, which are one of the regular users of the landscape might follow them as well. Subsequently, a leopard was found dead in a church in Madukkarai.
This could be a reason as plenty of wild bohrs have taken residence in the area where the leopardess has given birth.
Another reason according to sources is the stray dogs that roam close to the Reserve during the day time. The leopardess has reportedly preyed upon a few stray dogs in the area and there is possibility that the animal continue to prey upon them until the cubs become old enough to survive on their own. In addition, lack of competition and threat from larger predators could encourage the animal to continue roaming in the area.
While the Forest Department has decided to set up camera traps and monitor the movement of the animal, people have been advised to not move close to the area as the leopardess might attack as a defence.
“Leopard in Madukkarai is a common factor and people very well know it. But there is a little fear as the animal is too close for comfort and with cubs,” said a local.