Recent arrest of duo in connection with killing of big cat in Yeoor range throws up fresh questions; hunt on for three suspects
The rosette pattern on L-30’s skin, which helped authorities identify him. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
A Rosette pattern analysis of the leopard killed by poachers in the Yeoor range of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) revealed that the big cat was L-30, an adult male that had been frequenting the Yeoor forest between 2024 and 2025. The analysis was carried out by SGNP authorities, in collaboration with researchers using the park’s leopard database.
Meanwhile, the forest department has widened its investigation to examine whether two men, who confessed to their crime after being arrested in Palghar on March 29, are also linked to the death of a radio-collared leopard that was found dead on February 3 in SGNP’s Nagla range.
Deputy Director of SGNP (North) Pradip Patil told mid-day that the forest department has launched a search operation for three suspects believed to be directly involved in the killing of L-30. Patil confirmed that the arrested accused were not the main hunters but were allegedly involved in preserving the animal’s skin. Authorities, in coordination with the police, are now attempting to track down the absconding trio, with efforts underway to apprehend them within the next few days. NGO Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA) also played a crucial role in gathering the information on this case.
Snare claim under scanner
While the accused have claimed that the leopard was caught using a snare, officials investigating the case told mid-day there are no visible marks on the recovered skin to support this claim. This discrepancy has raised questions about the exact method used to kill the animal. “Until the main accused are in custody, we cannot carry out key procedures, such as spot panchnama, to establish where and how the animal was killed,” an official said.
How was it identified?
Patil said, “A team of researchers, including biologist Nikit Surve from the Wildlife Conservation Society, India, compared the rosette patterns visible on the seized leopard skin with a database of nearly 100-150 individual leopards from SGNP. Within less than an hour, they were able to confirm the animal’s identity.” Officials said that the rosette patterns on both the left and right sides of the body were matched with the database.
Opportunistic hunting?
Initial inputs suggest the killing may not have been targeted. Patil told mid-day that the leopard may have been accidentally trapped in a snare set for other animals, such as wild boar, near a perennial water source. The exact location, believed to be in Varthapada, is being verified using coordinates collected by field staff.
Missing parts
A major concern for investigators is the absence of key body parts, including claws, teeth and paws. These items are often in high demand in the illegal wildlife trade, and their absence suggests they may have already been sold. Officials said that until these parts are recovered, the case will remain incomplete.
Anti-snaring drive
The department has decided to conduct an anti-snaring operation along with the police and NGOs. The drive will involve use of metal detectors and is expected to continue for four to five days. Officials recalled a similar op carried out around Film City, where snares were recovered after a leopard was found trapped.
Focus on local offenders
The forest department is also examining whether individuals in the area have a history of hunting or access to firearms, which could provide leads in the case. With multiple angles under investigation, officials say the coming days will be crucial in cracking the case and tracing the missing accused.
The male leopard
Preliminary findings suggest that L-30 may have been killed two to three months ago. The animal was last recorded by camera traps in 2024. With the help of biologists and researchers, the forest department team matched the rosette patterns on the seized leopard skin with camera trap data of individual leopards from SGNP, confirming it belonged to L-30.
Expert Speak
Kedar Gore, Wildlife Conservationist, the Corbett Foundation
‘Good job by the forest team in Palghar. A thorough investigation into this matter may lead to more information about this network. I suspect this isn’t a one-off case; it could be a part of an organised crime. The fact that the skin belongs to a leopard from SGNP is not surprising. Poachers will always target areas with a high density of leopards. This also points to the need for more intensive patrolling and surveillance by the forest department. It is important to know how the leopard was killed, as this will reveal the modus operandi. This needs a good understanding of leopard behaviour as well. So, either the culprits are familiar with this area or may have been provided information by a local or an insider’
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