Leopard Cub Found Dead on Srisailam Highway in Amrabad Tiger Reserve

A nearly eight-month-old leopard cub was found dead along National Highway 765 on the Srisailam road inside the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Nagarkurnool district on Sunday night. Forest department officials are awaiting the results of a scientific examination to establish the exact cause of death.

The carcass was discovered lying on the roadside near the Gundam checkpost in the Mannanur range. This particular stretch of the highway is regularly used by safari vehicles and other vehicular traffic entering and passing through the tiger reserve.

According to forest officials, no external injuries were visible on the cub's body upon initial inspection. However, a preliminary inquiry indicated that the young leopard might have been struck by an unidentified speeding vehicle while attempting to cross the highway near the checkpost.

Forest personnel explained that the precise cause of death can only be confirmed once complete post-mortem findings and scientific laboratory test results are received.

Following the discovery, forest department personnel shifted the carcass from the spot. A detailed post-mortem examination was carried out under the supervision of Amrabad veterinary doctor V Raju, during which biological samples were collected and sent for scientific tests.

After the post-mortem proceedings were completed, the carcass of the leopard cub was cremated in the presence of forest officials. The disposal was carried out strictly in accordance with National Tiger Conservation Authority guidelines and the standard operating procedures prescribed by the forest department for wildlife mortalities.