Thursday, Oct 14, 2010http://www.hindu.com/2010/10/14/stories/2010101451370300.htm
Udhagamandalam: An ensnared leopard was rescued by forest officials at Kotagiri on Wednesday.
On being informed that a leopard had got caught in a wire noose trap which had been illegally set among some tea bushes near a bungalow on the Club Road in Kotagiri, a team of forest officials including the Field Director, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Rajiv K.Srivastava the District Forest Officer, the Nilgiris North K.Soundarapandian and forest veterinarian Kalaivanan had rushed to the spot and launched an operation to save the struggling carnivore.
After assessing its weight, it was shot with a tranquilizer gun and released from the tight noose.It was treated for minor injuries and taken to Ombetta inside the MTR and released.Stating that it was a male aged about six years, Mr.Srivastava told The Hindu that fortunately it was in a very healthy condition and the noose had not affected its vital parts.
Pointing out that the bungalow owner was in Coimbatore, Mr.Srivastava said that the watchman Rathinam (51) had been arrested for violating wildlife rules.
Investigation
He added that instructions have been issued to conduct a thorough investigation.
