COIMBATORE: Two leopard cubs were killed after being hit by an unidentified vehicle on the Devala–Pandalur highway near Gudalur in the Nilgiris on Friday morning.
According to forest department officials, the incident occurred around 6.30 a.m. near the Richmount area under the Pandalur forest range of the Gudalur Forest Division. The cubs were crossing the road when they were struck by a speeding vehicle, resulting in their death on the spot.
Forest officials said post-mortem examinations on the carcasses are expected to be conducted by Assistant Forest Veterinary Doctor Rajesh Kumar in the presence of senior forest department officials, in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
A case has been registered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and an investigation is underway to identify the vehicle involved in the incident.
Meanwhile, the forest department has appealed to motorists to drive cautiously through forest stretches and wildlife-sensitive zones, especially during early morning and night hours, to prevent accidents involving wild animals.