Wildlife: Two men from Tsenkhar in Lhuentse, who were caught with parts of Schedule I species Common Leopard (panthera pradus), were released on the condition that they will report the matter to Wangchuck Centennial National Park (WCNP) on January 19 along with two other accomplices.

WCNP officials arrested the duo from Tangsibe in Bumthang at around 2:15am on January 6.

“We acted following a tip-off,” said Park Ranger Kezang Tenzin.

The case is under investigation and WCNP has written to Tsenkhar gup asking the office to instruct the quartet to report to WCNP office on January 19 without fail.

Common Leopard is one of the protected animals under Schedule I of Forest and Nature Conservation Rules of Kingdom of Bhutan.

“Offence to Schedule I animals or birds could result in minimum of three years imprisonment,” Kezang Tenzin said.

It is believed that the leopard was killed sometime in December last year in Tadhogang, Tsenkhar.

“Animal parts will be surrendered to the headquarters,” Kezang Tenzin said.

Tempa Wangdi, Bumthang