A six-month-old female leopard was killed by a train in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district, renewing concern over wildlife deaths on the Ballarshah–Gondia railway line.
The incident brings reported leopard fatalities on the route to eight, while the cumulative wildlife toll has crossed 140.
Fatal Collision in Mamla Forest Range
The collision occurred in compartment 418 of Mamla forest range, managed by the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra.
Forest personnel inspected the site and sent the carcass for examination. The post-mortem confirmed death from a train collision. The cub may have been crossing with her mother, although this remains unconfirmed.
A Railway Through Wildlife Habitat
The route intersects a corridor connecting the Kawal and Tadoba tiger landscapes, used by tigers, leopards, bears and other wildlife.
Repeated deaths highlight the risks animals face while moving between forest patches.
Calls for Coordinated Safeguards
The Habitat Conservation Society has urged railway and forest authorities to jointly introduce speed restrictions on sensitive stretches, identify collision hotspots and regularly monitor wildlife movement.
The latest loss reinforces the need for effective safeguards where railway tracks cross important animal corridors.
Source: The Times of India.
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