Fear Grips Tikapur as Leopard Kills Domestic Animals

Residents of Tikapur, a town in Kailali district of Sudurpaschim province, are gripped with fear as a leopard has been on a killing spree, attacking domestic animals for over a week. The wild cat has been preying on goats, dogs, and chickens daily, leaving the community on edge.

Phirulal Tharu, a wildlife technician at the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), confirmed that a trap has been laid to capture the leopard. He assured the locals that efforts are underway to bring the animal under control and urged them not to panic. “The locals have reported seeing three leopards. We are working diligently to capture them,” he added.

The situation has become dire, with the leopards’ attacking livestock to the extent of emptying entire goat pens. The persistent attacks have led to heightened fear among the people of Tikapur.

In response to the escalating threat, a joint team from Bardiya National Park and the NTNC arrived in Tikapur at the request of the Tikapur Municipality. The team, which includes wildlife technician Jaga Narayan Chaudhary from Bardiya National Park, NTNC wildlife experts Tharu and Kararu Chaudhary, Nepal Police personnel, and the City Police, has begun operations to capture the leopards. Teams have been deployed to various locations in search of the wild cats.

The situation remains tense, with the leopard continuing its attacks. On Thursday night, the predator killed more goats, chickens, and even injured several animals. According to Mohan Luhar, Ward Chair of Tikapur Municipality-1, the leopard has killed approximately 22 goats in Blocks B and C of Ward No. 1, as well as in Wards No. 17 and 18 of the municipality. An equal number of chickens and dogs have also fallen victim to the leopard.

Ramesh Khadka, a local resident, reported that on Thursday night alone, the leopard killed 26 chickens in Block No. 17. The leopard, along with two cubs, fled when locals made noise to scare them away.

As efforts to capture the leopards continue, the community remains vigilant, hoping for a swift resolution to the escalating threat.