A massive search has began by the wildlife department after locals sighted a leopard in Fethpora area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Wednesday morning, officials said.
The locals sighted a feline wandering in the area and informed the department concerned, on which a massive hunt was launched.
He said that all necessary measures are being taken to neutralise the animal, while keeping in mind the safety of the residents as well.
Meanwhile, official urged the residents to remain indoors and don’t venture out unnecessarily.
The leopard (Panthera pardus) is one of the five extant species in the genus Panthera. It has a pale yellowish to dark golden fur with dark spots grouped in rosettes. Its body is slender and muscular reaching a length of 92–183 cm (36–72 in) with a 66–102 cm (26–40 in) long tail and a shoulder height of 60–70 cm (24–28 in). Males typically weigh 30.9–72 kg (68–159 lb), and females 20.5–43 kg (45–95 lb).
The leopard was first described in 1758, and several subspecies were proposed in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, eight subspecies are recognised in its wide range in Africa and Asia. It initially evolved in Africa during the Early Pleistocene, before migrating into Eurasia around the Early–Middle Pleistocene transition. Leopards were formerly present across Europe, but became extinct in the region at around the end of the Late Pleistocene-early Holocene.
