The Resident Leopard has returned to Basunti..

Distinctive sign of leopard, deep scratches in the earth

For the last three days the monkeys have been keeping a very low profile. All three troupes have gone up to the little town of Khatiar where they have camped as close to human habitation as possible. The cows have also been very reluctant to leave the village, as normally you would find them foraging in the jungle at this time of the year.
This usually means that the resident Leopard has moved into this area of his territory for a while. This was confirmed last night when I heard a deep growl coming from the path running by the property. This morning the distinctive marks of a Leopard – deep scratches in the earth and a strong smell of urine – setting out his claim to the territory, just outside my front gate.
Decided to check out the jungle around the property to see if I could catch a glimpse of this magnificent animal. Did not hear or see a thing but did come across some signs of a recent monkey kill. Searched the area as much as I could but it is very difficult terrain and my feeling was that the dead animal had been tucked behind one of the many Banyan trees growing out of the cliff face.