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Leopard Dies After Suspected Tiger Attack in Nilgiris
30 Oct
Summary
- Leopard found dead near Theppakadu watchtower in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
- Post-mortem revealed broken skull, indicating a fight with another carnivore.
- Veterinary team strongly suspects a tiger was responsible for the fatal injuries.
A leopard has died from injuries sustained in what is believed to be a fight with a tiger within the Theppakadu forest range of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Frontline staff discovered the deceased leopard near a watchtower on Sand Road in the Vatta Salai forest area on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Upon examination, senior officials noted significant injuries to the leopard's head. A subsequent post-mortem examination, conducted on Friday, October 30, 2026, in accordance with National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) protocols, confirmed the leopard was approximately 10 years old. The autopsy revealed a fractured skull, consistent with an attack by another large carnivore.
The veterinary team concluded that the leopard likely succumbed to injuries inflicted during an altercation with a tiger. Following the autopsy, the carcass was cremated as per NTCA guidelines. The incident highlights the dangerous interspecies dynamics within the reserve.
