Thu Jan 30 20:18:16 UTC 2025: ## Leopard, Not Tiger, Caused Chathirur Panic: Minister
**Kozhikode, Kerala –** Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran announced Thursday that recent panic in Chathirur, initially attributed to a tiger sighting, was actually caused by a leopard. Camera trap footage confirmed the leopard’s presence, the minister stated after a high-level meeting.
Three six-person teams are currently conducting nightly inspections to capture the leopard and ensure the area’s safety. These inspections will continue until officials confirm no wild animals remain.
The minister also addressed concerns regarding 25 families whose water source is within the forest. Due to safety fears, a temporary water tank will be installed outside the forest within three days under the Disaster Management Act, as the ongoing Jalanidhi project cannot immediately address the families’ needs.
Further measures include installing additional cameras to monitor wildlife activity and improving lighting in the area with the assistance of local bodies and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). Minister Saseendran also reported that construction of an elephant wall is 90% complete.
First Piper 