1st Dec., 2004

A group of poachers killed a highly endangered clouded leopard in Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, on 23 November 2004. This is the second incident of poaching in the same area of the Reserve within the last six months.

According to Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) sources, around 10 poachers entered the Reserve from the neighboring state of Assam and were challenged by a Forest Department patrol. After an exchange of fire from both sides, the poachers fled the scene. They left behind the carcass of a 5 to 6 year old female clouded leopard. The body was burnt after the post mortem was conducted inside the forest.

Forest officials also recovered some locally manufactured arms from the site. No person has been arrested so far.

The Reserve has a long border with Assam, and a porous border with neighboring Bhutan. These factors, coupled with a difficult terrain, make it relatively easy for poachers to enter the Reserve. In March, poachers had killed a tusker in the same area, but could not be apprehended.