A female leopard was found dead on Monday night in Thaha Municipality, Makawanpur.

The adult leopard, weighing 39 kilograms, was discovered near the banks of the Mahalaxmi Khola in Chitlang, ward 9 of the municipality. Police suspect it may have died after fighting with another leopard.

“The leopard’s mouth was bleeding,” said Assistant Sub Inspector Dinanath Prasad Yadav of the Chitlang police post. “It appears to have died in a territorial fight with another leopard.”

The animal, estimated to be about four years old and measuring 170 centimetres in length, was taken to Godam Chaur in Chitlang for proper handling in the presence of locals, community forest officials, and local representatives, said Deputy Superintendent of Police and spokesperson Pushkar Bogati of Makawanpur District Police Office.

The area, about one kilometre south of the Chitlang police post, is part of a community forest that is home to leopards and other wildlife.