Hassan: Veterinarians who conducted an autopsy on two leopardess found dead at a farm land near Kallugundi village of Arsikere taluk suspect pneumonia to be the reason behind the deaths.
The cubs aged about 1-2 years were found dead near Kallugundi village, Kanakatte hobli of Arsikere taluk on Friday. The spot is near Nagapuri forest range, which is around 27 km from the taluk centre.
“Two veterinarians conducted an autopsy on the cubs. They observed swelling in their lungs and liver and suspect pneumonia.Visceral samples have been sent to the regional forensic lab in Mysuru for confirmation,” said RFO Dayananda.
“We got to know about the deaths around 11 am on Friday and immediately rushed to the spot. They may have died late on Thursday. There were no external wounds,” Dayananda added.
“Carcasses of both were found lying within 100 meters of each other,” said Manju, a local.
DFO Shivaram Babu said, “The cause of death will be known once the autopsy report is out. The cats may have died of ill health and not because of any illegal activity.”