Mumbai: Investigation Underway as Leopard Skin Found in Aarey Milk Colony Raises Concerns

Mumbai, 2nd January 2024: Authorities from the forest department are actively investigating the discovery of leopard skin in Aarey Milk Colony. A wildlife crime expert has recommended subjecting the remains to forensic analysis, suggesting that the skin may be an aged trophy with indications of a possible long-distance shooting.

Santosh Saste, Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF) from the Thane Forest Department, assured that the investigation is underway. He stated, “We have already initiated an investigation, and the skin will be sent for forensic analysis. Prima facie, it appears that the skin is very old, and our team is exploring all angles during the ongoing investigation.”

A gardener discovered the skin and claws wrapped in a bed sheet near Ganesh Mandir Lake in Aarey Colony. This triggered a collaborative effort by local police, forest officials, and wildlife volunteers.

The gardener discovered while sweeping the area, reporting it to the Aarey police station with the assistance of the garden’s caretaker.

Wildlife researchers are now comparing the rosette patterns on the leopard skin with databases of Aarey Milk Colony and Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) leopards to potentially identify the individual big cat.

A wildlife crime investigation and wildlife trafficking expert commented on the situation, noting, “Considering the hole in the skin, it could be the result of a gunshot from a long distance, fired by a high-quality weapon. However, this cannot be proven unless examined by a forensic expert. To me, it appears more like an old trophy discarded by someone.”a