Five leopards found in Kothagudem forest area

 Kothagudem: Five leopards have been found to be moving in the forest area of Bhadradri-Kothagudem district by the Forest department officials involved in the ongoing census of animals and wildlife. However, the leopards have not been traced so far. 

They have been found to be moving in Regalla, Markodu, Manabothulapadu, Jennalagudem, Rangapuram and Mylavaram areas. The Forest department officials have decided to examine the pug marks collected by the teams before coming to a conclusion.

As many as 1,500 officials in 493 beats have conducted surveys as part of the census in Palvoncha, Yellandu, Kothagudem, Manuguru, Bhadrachalam forest divisions. They kept a vigil on the moments of animals which are found mostly in water-flowing areas while focusing attention on the hair, fecal matter and footprints. Special teams moving on foot within five km range secured traces of the animals.

The teams also found bears and bisons moving in the forest, going by their footmarks. The other animals found during the survey include ‘Chukkala Duppulu’, ‘Konda Gorrelu’ and ‘Kanujulu’.

Wildlife Officer Nagabhushanam told The Hans India that no movements of tigers have been found. In 2007, three tigers were found in the district forest area. They were said to be moving in Eturunagaram and Papikondalu and Kinnerasani forest areas. Their number fell to two in 2013, while no traces were found the next year. 

However, one was found in 2015, he said. According to Nagabhushanam, 12 leopards were found in 2007. Their number fell to two in 2015. Now their strength has increased to five. He listed the other animals found during the survey as: ‘Chukkala Duppulu’ 4,278, ‘Konda Gorrelu’ 658, ‘Agili Pillalu’ 674, ‘Adivi Dunnalu’ nine, 11 bears and ‘Kanjulu’ 28.