31 July,2026 04:17 PM IST | Guna (Madhya Pradesh) | PTI
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic
A headless and mutilated carcass of a leopard was found in a protected forest area in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district, with the authorities suspecting that the animal may have been poached for its claws and teeth, an official said on Friday.
The carcass was found by residents on Thursday in the Agra-Hansli forest under the Bhadaura sub-range of the Guna North Forest Division, about 45 km from the district headquarters, he said.
"The leopard's head was missing, and its paws had been mutilated. In many cases, poachers target leopards for their teeth and claws. At first glance, it appears to be a case of poaching, but all angles are being investigated," Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Shivpuri Circle, Adarsh Srivastava, told reporters.
He said that a dog squad had been pressed into service and residents of nearby villages and persons with a record of wildlife offences are being questioned.
The carcass was found in compartment PF-52, a protected forest area under the Guna range, but it is possible that the animal had been killed elsewhere and later dumped at the site, the official said.
The remains have been sent for post-mortem to ascertain the cause of death and gather forensic evidence, he added.
According to the 'Status of Leopards in India 2022' report released in February 2024, Madhya Pradesh has the highest leopard population in the country at 3,907, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, poaching of leopards is a non-bailable offence punishable with imprisonment and fine.
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