Team Goemkarponn
PERNEM: The Goa Forest Department has clarified that the animal seen in a video circulating on social media as a tiger sighting at Varkhande village in Pernem taluka is, in fact, a full-grown leopard.
Following reports of the alleged tiger sighting, Forest Department officials conducted a field verification at the location. Pugmarks found at the site were examined and found to be consistent with those of a leopard. Villagers had also reported the presence of a leopard in the area over the past few days.
The department subsequently obtained the original video footage from the videographer and conducted a detailed examination to establish the species. According to the Forest Department, no characteristic stripes or other visible features indicating the presence of a tiger could be identified in the footage.
Officials said the apparent colouration of the animal in the video appears to have been influenced by artificial lighting from the vehicle from which the footage was recorded.
Based on the field evidence and analysis of the original footage, the Forest Department has ascertained that the animal is a leopard and not a tiger.
The department has appealed to the public not to panic or circulate unverified information regarding the video. Leopards are known to occur in the area and are periodically sighted, while the Forest Department continues to monitor the situation and will take appropriate measures if required.
The public has also been advised not to approach, chase, photograph or otherwise disturb any wild animal, and to maintain a safe distance in the event of a sighting.
For wildlife rescue assistance or to report a wildlife emergency, members of the public can contact the Forest Department’s Toll-Free Wildlife Rescue Helpline at 1926.
