Protected leopard killed by residents in Pakistan's Bajaur district, investigation launched

Residents in Pakistan's Bajaur district shot dead a protected common leopard on Sunday, accusing it of repeatedly attacking livestock in the Mandogai area of Wara Mamond tehsil near the Afghan border.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department has launched an investigation and started legal proceedings against those responsible for the killing.

Why was the leopard killed in Bajaur?

Local residents said the leopard had been entering populated areas at night for several days, killing and injuring cows, goats and other livestock.

The near-daily attacks caused financial losses for livestock owners and raised safety concerns in the community, so villagers tracked its movements before shooting it dead.

What action has the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department taken?

The department issued an official notification confirming the killing and said it has launched legal proceedings to identify those responsible. A detailed report, covering carcass recovery, identification of those involved, and any legal action taken, will follow once the field inquiry is complete.

According to the Divisional Forest Officer, wildlife officials tried to reach the site to recover the leopard's carcass. Police stopped them from entering the exact location due to security concerns.

Why couldn't officials recover the leopard's carcass?

The department's notification said the area has no police station or permanent law enforcement presence, making immediate access difficult. Wildlife officials are now working with local tribal elders to help facilitate carcass recovery and support the ongoing investigation.

Are common leopards protected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?

Wildlife Department spokesperson Latif Ur Rehman said common leopards have lived in Bajaur and the surrounding mountains for centuries as a natural part of the region's wildlife. He said the species is found across the Hindu Kush range, including Malakand, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Buner and Mohmand.

Rehman said leopards generally avoid humans but may approach settlements as natural prey declines due to habitat loss and shrinking forests. Young leopards establishing new territories, along with harsh winters and food shortages, can also push them closer to villages.

What should residents do if they see a leopard?

Rehman said attacks on humans by common leopards remain rare despite incidents like the one in Bajaur. He urged residents to secure livestock at night and report leopard sightings to wildlife authorities rather than killing the animals themselves.