Surveillance camera confirms presence of leopard in Mattathur in Keralam

The Forest Department has confirmed that a leopard killed a pet dog at Mankoottyppadam in Mattathur panchayat, raising concern among residents and rubber tappers in the area.

Forest officials said a leopard was captured on a camera trap installed near the spot following the incident. The dog was found dead in the early hours of September 15 near a rubber plantation adjoining the forest at Mankoottyppadam. The dog belonged to Kuttiyara Paulose, a nearby landowner, and had been tethered on his property. It was reportedly dragged to the adjoining rubber plantation after being attacked. Parts of the carcass had been eaten.

Suspecting the presence of a leopard, Forest Department personnel installed surveillance cameras in the area. The animal was captured on camera the following day, officials said. However, repeated checks over the next four to five days did not record any further sighting.