The Wildlife Department staff under the Kuldiha sanctuary range are maintaining a high vigil after the patrolling staff noticed footprints of a big cat at Odalia near Panchalingeswar recently.
Although it appears to be foot print of a big cat but it is yet to be ascertained by the department whether the footprints belong to a leopard or an Royal Bengal Tiger (RBT).
Range officer Bijay Mohapatra said, “We are extra vigilant after the footprints are noticed by our patrolling staff. And we are not sure of whether they belong to a leopard or an RBT as no images are found in any of the trap cameras installed in the area.”
A few days ago while a deer was found dead it was suspected that a big cat had killed it. It may be noted that leopard existence in Kuldhia sanctuary has been confirmed as the forest staff have caught sight of it. Besides there are image captures of leopard in trap cameras. But never has an RBT been sighted or its image trapped in camera.
Since this sanctuary is connected with Simlipal sanctuary of Mayurbhanj, the possibility of sneaking of an RBT(s) can’t be ruled out.
The Kuldiha wildlife sanctuary of the district spreads over an area of 272 sq km enriched with varieties of flora and fauna. It is primarily known for elephants. Besides, it houses gaur, giant squirrel, sambar, deer and leopard. Many birds such as hill myna, peacock, hornbill and reptiles are also found. The sanctuary is connected to Simlipal through Sukhupada and Nato hill ranges.