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Last Updated : 2024-04-24 03:40:00
23 August 2020 12:27 pm - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Another leopard succumbed to injuries as a result of snaring earlier today raising the total count of leopard deaths to eight just for this year. The carcass was found at a private estate in Doluwa, Ambagasthenna in the Central Province.
According to Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) Director General Chandana Sooriyabandara DWC officials have been able to reach the location within half an hour. “But the animal was dead by then. It’s not easy to trace all places where snares have been kept. But we have continuously educated people and estate managements on why this poses a risk to wildlife especially the leopard. However we see a progress on the side of estate managements where they go on a daily routine check to remove snares in their estates. They have also created WhatsApp groups and are coordinating with the DWC. If they spot a leopard and finds out an incident of snaring they immediately inform us. But this is not the case when educating people. They don’t take things seriously. With regard to this particular incident there’s a village close by and people don’t even bother to inform us. We have repeatedly requested people to inform us about wildlife-related incidents via the 1992 hotline but we seldom receive calls.”
When asked what happens to a leopard’s carcass after a postmortem Sooriyabandara said that it depends on the court order. “The court informs us about what needs to be done to the carcass.”
However according to Dr. Tharaka Prasad, Director-Wildlife Health at DWC, the leopard was in a hanging position by the time the DWC officials visited the site. “Due to this position the abdomen and vital organs would have exerted pressure on the diaphragm and lungs thereby leading to dyspnea (shortness of breath).” (Kamanthi Wickramasinghe)
SAM Sunday, 23 August 2020 12:56 PM
No point in further investigation now. Anyways, all of these Leopards will be gone in a couple of years so whats the rush.
Saranga Walimuni Sunday, 23 August 2020 01:04 PM
This is a national disaster As usual Investigation will lead to no where
Dutchy Sunday, 23 August 2020 01:16 PM
over to you newly appointed minister.. this is a golden opportunity to show your colours bringing a lasting solution to the issue in sri lanka bio diversity. You are a regulation maker plus a law maker( Last resort apart from a public interest litigation) Please pay your attention in the name of voiceless innocent wild life
Hautaum Sunday, 23 August 2020 02:03 PM
Well, how people live near by leopards? So, try to find new type of snare without life harming the animals ???
King Monday, 24 August 2020 06:38 AM
This will never stop until the authorities get serious. If the people who lay these traps are caught and heavily fined, this will stop. Police and DWC are involved in this activity as well. They are provided 'dhadamas' to keep quiet.
Richard Scovell Monday, 24 August 2020 06:41 AM
Do offer rewards for information provided this will help as people laying these snares should severly dealt with
Wimal Monday, 24 August 2020 09:04 AM
Stop this massacre .Where is the law and order . This is worse than the drug mafia Chinese companies are involved and the govt is scared of the loans.
Andrew Silva Monday, 24 August 2020 09:12 AM
Can't some one put a snare in front of the parliament .
King Monday, 24 August 2020 12:01 PM
Reply to Andrew. Snare in front of parliament is of no use. The trapped 'animals' can't be eaten. The flesh and blood is contaminated with a deadly virus called Corruption!
Mohamed Tharik Monday, 24 August 2020 02:19 PM
Leopards are our pride of this beautiful country and we have the highest density of Leopards in the world.Losing eight in eight months is not acceptable.Why don't the authorities move the remaining Leopards from unprotected areas to protected areas for them to live safe.
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