RAMPUR, Aug 6: As many as 12 leopards have died in Palpa in the past twelve months. Ten adult and two baby leopards which had frisked into different human settlements of the district were found dead, said the District Forest Office, Palpa.

The forest cats were found dead in different places including Baudhapokharathok, Palung Mainadi, Khanichhap Deurali, Satyabati and Chanppani.

Two baby leopard found in Argali also died after 10 days, shared the forest office.

An injured male leopard which was found in Khanichhap was sent to Chitwan National Park.

The leopards are generally noticed nearby road side, forest and kitchen garden, said officials of District Forest Office.

The in-fighting between leopards, with other wildlife, and human encroachment, among others, are the reasons for leopards whisking into human settlement, said Ranger at District Forest Office, Palpa, and Yam Lal Bhusal. RSS