Leopard cub knocked down to death

By Nayanajeewa Bandara

A leopard cub had been knocked down to death by a vehicle on Mahaoya- Aralaganwila Road running through Maduruoya National Park on Sunday night (14).

Wildlife officials stated that the leopard cub was approximately five months old. They said their attempt to trace the vehicle that caused the death of the cub proved futile.

They said they submitted a report to Dehiattakandiya Magistrate, and on a court order, steps were being taken to hand over the carcass to the Ampara Wildlife Veterinary Health Unit.

Meanwhile, environmentalists said vehicular traffic at night through national parks resulted in the death of wild animals frequenting the road freely. They pointed out that animals met with accidents almost every day in Mahaoya- Aralaganwila, and Buttala – Kataragama roads as well.