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Leopard Poaching Ring Busted Near Kuno Cheetah Project
27 Aug
Summary
- Leopard skins matched against database of 164 leopards.
- 15 suspects arrested in connection with the poaching.
- Poaching occurred in areas linked to the Kuno cheetah project.
The Madhya Pradesh State Tiger Strike Force (MPSTSF) is investigating the poaching of 10 leopards in Morena and Sheopur districts. This operation has led to the arrest of 15 suspects, believed to be part of an organized interstate wildlife trafficking gang. The poached leopards were allegedly killed in areas connected to the Kuno cheetah project, raising concerns about the safety of wildlife in the region.
Investigators are attempting to match the spot patterns of the seized leopard skins with the Wildlife Institute of India's database, which documents around 164 leopards in and around the Kuno and Chambal regions. Some leopards previously relocated for Project Cheetah were radio-collared, and it is unclear if any of these collared animals were among the victims.
Recent arrests include a suspect identified as Sukhdev from Morena on August 26. Evidence seized includes six leg-hold traps and knives, allegedly used in the killings. The arrests have been made across Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi, highlighting the interstate nature of the trafficking ring.
