Human-animal conflict: Nilgai dies in Thakurgaon after being chased by locals

A Nilgai, the largest antelope in Asia, died after locals chased it at Muktarbasti village in Thakurgaon's Ranishankoil upazila yesterday afternoon.

Upazila Livestock Officer Madan Kumar Roy confirmed the news to The Daily Star.

Locals said the animal crossed the border from India a few days ago and was seen around the village.

Spotting the animal in a crop land at the village, villagers began to chase it, locals said.

At one stage, the antelope took shelter in an under construction house of one Hamidur Rahman, they said, adding that as people were about to catch it there, the animal jumped through the window and became unconscious.  

On information, a local Livestock Service Provider (LSP) rushed to the spot and provided primary treatment to it but it died within an hour.

Being informed, acting Upaizla Nirbahi Officer Pritom Saha along with the upazila livestock officer visited the place.

Madan Kumar said primarily it was assumed that the male Nilgai died of cardiac arrest due to continuous exertion while being chased.