Leopard killed and teeth removed

By Nayanajeewa Bandara   

The carcass of a leopard had been found last morning at the Buduruwagala forest reserve in Wellawaya  by Wildlife officers’

They said the leopard had been shot dead and its front teeth removed. Officials said the contraband trade of selling teeth and nails of leopards resulted in killing these rare species of animals. They said they rushed to the scene on information from a farmer taking buffaloes to the forest reserve for grazing.   

Wildlife officers said the well grown leopard was about four years of age and its four front teeth had been removed.   

Police said the leopard had been shot with a locally made muzzle loader gun.    Wellawaya police and wildlife officers from the Wellawaya Range are conducting investigations to arrest the suspects.