The partially decomposed body of a leopard was found in Seegur Forest range in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), forest officials said.
The officials, acting on information given by villagers about a foul smell emanating from Kalkadavu, some 60 km from here, coming under MTR area, rushed to the spot and recovered the carcass.
The body was found near a dried up water body, indicating that the animal might have come there for water and collapsed a couple of days ago, they said.
Forest veterinarian Mangai, who was present at the site, said that the leopard, about five years in appearance, might have had some ailment due to which it could not eat food. This could be the reason for it's death, she said.
The viscera has been sent for tests to ascertain the real cause of death, she added.
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