Goemkarponn desk
PONDA: Jiss K. Varkey,( IFS )Goa Deputy Conservator of Forests North Goa Division office Ponda stated that an inquiry is being carried out in the instant case of a leopard killed at Kopardem.
In light of the incidence of killing a leopard (Panthera leo) using a locally made wire trap at Kopardem village, Valpoi Range of North Goa Forest Division, the Forest Department calls for public support in tackling such wildlife offences in the State.
He said Leopard is a schedule I species as per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and killing such Schedule- I species by any means is an offence under Section 9 of the Act and punishable under Section 51 and amounts to imprisonment up to 3 years and fine.
Any such cases involving damage to wildlife will be dealt with seriously, and an inquiry is being carried out in the instant case of the leopard killed at Kopardem. Goa Forest Department requests the public to stay away from such practices and agricultural field owners immediately inform notice of any wildlife traps in their agricultural fields to the
forest officers to avoid any untoward incidences to the pristine wildlife of the State.