Injured snow leopard rescued from Upper Chitral

PESHAWAR - Locals and Wildlife officials have successfully rescued a severely injured snow leopard from Rabat area of Arkari valley, Upper Chitral.

“The rare big cat got severe injury while falling from a cliff while chasing a prey,” said Israr Ahmad, DFO Peshawar.

Israr said that the injured leopard was spotted by a local person of Rabat area who found the animal in very frail condition due to its serious injury. Soon a group of villagers gathered around the injured snow leopard and also informed concerned Wildlife Department and staff members of Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (PSLEP). 

“The villagers also arranged some meat food for saving life of the injured leopard,” Israr said. Israr said the backbone of leopard was broken due to falling from the mountain and needed proper treatment and surgery. The leopard, he added, was rushed to veterinary hospital Chitral and later shifted to Peshawar.

Israr appreciated the response of local people who instead of killing the animal, informed wildlife and other departments working for conservation of wild species. 

He hoped the injured leopard would be released back to its natural habitat after recovery.

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