The elusive leopard, which was roaming in and around Mayiladuthurai since April 2, was spotted at Sendurai in Ariyalur district on Thursday (April 11, 2024) night.
According to sources, on information that the leopard was seen at Ponparappi on Thursday morning, the Forest Department personnel, along with the police and revenue officials, visited the village to check whether there was any pug mark. However, they could not trace any mark.
Later in the evening, they received a message that it was moving around Sendurai. It was confirmed that the leopard was spotted near the Government Hospital at Sendurai around 9 p.m. and near the residence of a doctor around 11 p.m.
Following this, the forest personnel rushed to the spot. High-power cameras have been positioned at vantage points to capture the wild animal’s movements. Infrared drones were used to track its movements. A team of forest personnel, who were camping at Mayiladuthurai, had been asked to rush to Sendurai.
Confirming the movement of the leopard, Collector J. Annie Mary Swarna has asked the people of Sendurai and its neighbouring villages to exercise caution while moving out. Considering the safety of children, schools in Sendurai region asked to declare holiday in the afternoon on Friday. The heads of schools were asked to ensure the safety of students.
Ms. Swarna said that steps had been taken to catch the leopard. A specialised team of personnel were involved in the operation. The residents should desist from venturing out at night. They should take special care to ensure the safety of milch animals, sheep, and goats.
Meanwhile, the forest personnel found the pug marks of the leopard at Ninniyur near Sendurai on Friday afternoon. The pug marks were found on the fields of a few farmers belonging to Veeran Colony.
It was said that the big cat might have strayed into the fields in search of water. Following this, the forest personnel placed a cage to catch the wild animal at Vanjinapuram.
