An unidentified predator has been attacking goats in Dogaag Chiwog of Gozhi Gewog in Dagana. Livestock farmers suspect the predator to be a leopard. In more than a month, it has attacked 19 goats.
Since the 20th of last month, the predator has attacked goats belonging to 13 households.
Of these, 14 goats have died and five are critically injured.
They It is the first time such incidents have occurred in the chiwog.
Farmers said it is difficult to protect their goats as the predator usually attacks late at night. They added that the predator leaves the scene quickly which makes it difficult for farmers to identify the animal.
People rear goats for meat, both for self-consumption and commercial purposes.
Bhim Kumar Poudel, Dogaag Tshogpa said “None of us have seen the predator. It attacks different sheds each night. Even if we enclose the shed using CGI sheets, the predator enters through small gaps.”
Forestry and district livestock officials said without concrete evidence such as footprints and other traces of the predator, implementing any specific preventive measures is challenging.
However, as advised, villagers have relocated sheds closer to their homes as precautionary measures. Previously, these sheds were located some 20 to 30 metres away.
The forestry officials have also advised farmers to make loud noises and put on lights during the night to deter the predator from attacking livestock.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Tshering Zam
