Protected leopard shot dead in Bajaur

Residents say leopard had been venturing close to populated areas at night, attacking livestock on a near-daily basis

PESHAWAR:

Residents of Bajaur's Wara Mamund tehsil killed a protected common leopard after it allegedly preyed on cattle, goats and other livestock for several days, prompting the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department to initiate legal action against those involved.

According to local residents, the leopard had been venturing close to populated areas at night and attacking livestock on a near-daily basis.

Several cows, goats and other animals were killed or injured in the attacks, causing financial losses to livestock owners and creating an atmosphere of fear among residents, who had become increasingly concerned about protecting their animals.

Residents said they monitored the leopard's movements for several days before eventually killing it after repeated attempts. They claimed the animal's death had eased the fear that had gripped the area following the series of attacks.

Following the incident, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department took notice and announced its decision to register a case and initiate legal proceedings against those responsible for killing the animal.

According to the department, officials are identifying those involved with the help of photographs and videos circulating after the incident. It said legal action would be taken under wildlife protection laws against all those found responsible.

Wildlife officials said the common leopard is a protected species and killing it is a punishable offence under the law.

They urged members of the public not to take matters into their own hands if wild animals enter populated areas or attack livestock.