Leopards Unfairly Blamed for Livestock Predation

Local reports of livestock loss to predators across rural and nomadic settlements of Ilam Province have pointed to Persian leopards as the primary culprit, while experts and authorities maintain that the rare cat is only partly to blame for the incidents. 
Since the beginning of the current Iranian year (March 21), tens of farm animals have become victims of wildlife attacks for which locals hold leopards and wolves responsible. 
Although wolf attacks are common, the majestic cat of the province is hardly known to be involved frequently in such incidents.  
Official data have registered seven cases of livestock predation by leopards or wolves that share the same habitat, according to the deputy for monitoring at the provincial office of the Department of Environment. 
"During these attacks, 40 farm animals were lost, of which 15 were killed by leopards," Ali Taher Saraei told IRNA.