Telangana: Leopard spotted in Thukkalapalli village in Yacharam

YACHARAM: Farmers of Thukkalapalli village in Yacharam mandal, 50 kilometres from the city, have reported a leopard sighting at around 5pm on Monday, prompting wildlife officials to camp in the area in search of the big cat.
On receiving information about the leopard sighting, forest officials who are on the lookout for an elusive leopard in the area from past four to five months believe it is the same animal.
"The leopard was spotted by the farmers near the fields in Thukkalapalli village. We suspect that it is now moving towards Nallavelli forest area which is about 120 kilometers away from Yacharam," said Amangal forest divisional officer M Janakiram.
"Two teams have been sent yesterday evening to patrol the entire area from the place where it was spotted but there was no trace of the animal. Our search teams are still on the field and in case we spot it, will take measures to capture the animal and relocate it deep inside the forest in a suitable environment with enough prey to feed on," he added.
The leopard which has been lurking in Yacharam, Kadthal and Kandukur mandals of Ranga Reddy district from past few months has so far killed about 40 cattle and half a dozen dogs in the villages. The forest officials are setting up new trap cages near the carcass of the cattle after every kill hoping to safely capture the big cat in case it comes back to feed on the remaining prey.
“There are five trap cages and 20 cameras along with a special team of five members who are on the job to trace the leopard’s movements in the area,” said a forest official.