You are here: Home>Collections

Goat, bull attacked by 'big cat' in Keri

Rajendra P Kerkar, TNN Nov 3, 2011, 03.37AM IST

KERI : Keri is synonymous with the presence of big cats. In fact, farmer and activist Rama Velip from Colomb of Sanguem says that Colomb, Rivon, Vichundre offer a natural habitat for the big cat. He added, "In Vichundre, tiger presence has been proved beyond a doubt on many occasions."

This, activists said, is because Vichundre is situated inside forest areas and the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary there is known for the presence of tigers, leopards and other wild animals. Though these wild animals have always been present, increasing mining activities and the degradation of forests have intensified human-wildlife conflicts.

Recently, within a span of one week, a goat and a bull were killed in the village, reportedly by a big cat. However, forest officials are still attempting to determine whether the animals were attacked by a tiger or a leopard. The bull, found dead behind a hotel on October 31, belonged to Santosh Naik from Vichundre.

The deputy conservator of forests, South Goa division, M K Shambhu, said, "The bull and goat were most probably attacked by a full-grown leopard as the bull was attacked from the back. We are trying to study the pugmarks and looking for other evidence to ascertain whether the animals were killed by a leopard or a tiger."

He added, "Officials from the territorial wing, along with those from the wildlife division, have started patrolling and monitoring the areas."

The villagers of Vichundre, however, maintain that the bull was killed by a tiger. Along with the sarpanch of Netravali village panchayat Shashikant Gaonkar, locals met round forester Mohandas Naik and insisted that immediate steps be taken to compensate Naik for his loss.

"I have initiated action to provide compensation to Naik's family as early as possible," said Shambhu.