Sri Lanka Investigates death of Leopard trapped in a snare

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife, and Forest Resources Conservation Mahinda Amaraweera has called for an investigation on the death of a Sri Lankan Leopard in the Summer Hill Estate in Hatton.

The Minister on Monday (8) said that an immediate investigation will be conducted into the death of the Leopard, and if proven that the death was a direct result of negligence on the part of the Wildlife Officers, necessary disciplinary action will be taken against them.

In addition, Ministry Secretary Chandra Herath had informed the Minister that a team led by an Additional Secretary was dispatched to the Summer Hill Estate to conduct an investigation today (8).

The Leopard was discovered trapped in a snare set up for wild boars in the Summer Hill Estate which is part of the Wanarajah Tea Estate in Hatton on Sunday (7).

The Leopard had managed to somewhat break free from the Snare, however, its body was entangled with the snare wire, and it had later managed to climb onto a tree.

Locals had seen the leopard hanging from the tree on Sunday (7) morning and informed the Wildlife Officers.

Wildlife Officers launched a rescue operation immediately upon arrival, however, the Leopard died after the tree it was hanging on to was cut down.