Residents of the hilly terrains in the Ginjee region have been, of late, concerned because their domesticated animals are being killed by an unidentified wild animal.
The people of the hamlets such as Annamangalam, Chozhangulam and Siruthalaipoondi have reported that in the past one week three calves, three dogs and one goat have been killed by the foraging animal which none has sighted so far. They say there are tell-tale evidences to prove that the animal has dragged the carcass of its prey to an elevated rock before feeding on it. Consequently, they have requested the Forest Department officials to ensure their safety.
Forest Department sources told The Hindu that the pug marks left on the rain-soaked soil had led the department to conclude that it was certainly a leopard with sharp claws. The carnivore must have a habitat in the social forestry at Annamangalam falling under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department. It is learnt that leopards are endemic to the region in the past 300 – 400 years.
When contacted, District Forest Officer D. Sujata told The Hindu that members of the Wildlife Conservation Trust would visit the villages and create awareness among the people about the necessity of preserving the eco-system.
The DFO said that the villagers had been asked not to leave their children unattended and also avoid loitering in the night. “Once the wild animal realises that the area has run short of vulnerable prey, it will automatically migrate to other places,” Ms. Sujata added.
