Leopard Run Over by Train Near Rajura A sub-adult female leopard was killed after being struck by a train near Wihirgaon Naka in Maharashtra’s Rajura taluka on Saturday morning, raising concerns about the growing threat to wildlife along railway corridors that cut through forested areas. The carcass of the 18-month-old leopard was discovered along a South Central Railway track around 8:40 a.m. within Vihirgaon beat, under the Chanakha round of Rajura range. Forest officials swiftly responded to the incident, arriving at the site shortly after being alerted. A post-mortem examination was conducted by veterinary officer Dr. NP Telange, and the final report is pending. The incident underscores the increasing frequency of human-wildlife conflicts in regions where railway infrastructure intersects with natural habitats. Rajura taluka, part of Chandrapur district, is known for its dense forests and biodiversity, making the area a critical corridor for wildlife movement. The leopard’s death highlights the dangers faced by animals in such zones, where trains often traverse without adequate barriers or wildlife protection measures. Conservationists have previously raised alarms about the impact of railway expansion on local ecosystems, citing similar incidents in the region. Forest officials have emphasized the need for stricter monitoring and safety protocols to prevent such encounters. The post-mortem report is expected to provide insights into the leopard’s health and the circumstances of its death, which could inform future conservation strategies. However, the immediate focus remains on addressing the broader issue of habitat fragmentation and the risks posed by infrastructure development to wildlife.#chandrapur_district #rajura_taluka #south_central_railway #dr_np_telange #vihirgaon_beat
