Wildlife dept rules out leopard attack

LAHORE:

The Punjab Wildlife Department has clarified that a recent attack on a local shepherd in the Cholistan desert near Bahawalpur was carried out by a caracal, a large wild cat, rather than a leopard, following a detailed investigation.

The incident occurred on Eid day, leaving the victim, Abdul Majeed, with serious injuries to his head and arms.

Initial reports from local residents had attributed the attack to a leopard, but officials later dismissed the claim based on available evidence.

According to Additional Chief Wildlife Ranger Central Punjab, Sheikh Zahid Iqbal, the pattern of injuries indicates that the attack was carried out by a caracal, which typically targets the head and upper body.

He added that such wild and desert cats are commonly found in the Cholistan region.

Officials said the caracal is a fast and skilled predator that usually hunts birds and small animals. However, attacks on humans can occur in rare cases when the animal ventures close to human settlements.

Following the incident, wildlife teams monitored the area for several days and attempted to capture the animal, but were unsuccessful.

The animal is believed to have retreated into the Cholistan desert.

Meanwhile, Captive Wildlife Management Committee member Badr Munir travelled from Lahore to Bahawalpur and met the injured shepherd to gather details of the incident.

The victim alleged that the wildlife department failed to provide immediate assistance after the attack, forcing him to arrange his own medical treatment.

Badr Munir assured the affected family that measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.