Dead leopard found in Karnataka's BRT Tiger Reserve; dog, calf carcasses also found dead Nearby, poisoning suspected

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NEW DELHI: Forest officials discovered a dead leopard at a stone quarry near Kothalavadi village within the BRT Tiger Reserve in Chamarajanagar, Karnataka on Thursday, with initial suspicions pointing to poisoning as the cause of death.

The deceased male leopard was estimated to be between five to six years old. The forest department also found carcasses of a dog and a calf near the leopard's body.

The department has initiated a probe after registering a case based on preliminary investigations.

"A post-mortem has been conducted. We have collected samples and sent them to the forensic lab in Mysuru for examination. Based on the reports, we will take further action," said a senior department official to news agency PTI.

This incident follows another recent wildlife tragedy in the region, where a female tigress and her four cubs were found dead in the Hugyam range of the MM Hills on June 26.