International Leopard Day: Wildlife SOS Celebrates 110 Mother-Cub Reunifications
Every year, May 3 is observed as International Leopard Day to create awareness about the big cats and the importance of their conservation. As the world marked International Leopard Day on Friday, Wildlife SOS a prominent wildlife NGO?and?the Maharashtra Forest Department celebrated the successful reunion of 110 leopard cubs with their mothers.?
How leopard cubs get separated from mother
In the sugarcane fields of rural Maharashtra, encounters between farmers and leopards have become increasingly common. Maharashtra, being home to the third-largest leopard population in India, witnesses a delicate balance between human and leopard territories.?
Also read:?Heartwarming Video Shows Leopard Cubs Reunited With Mum
With sugarcane cultivation expanding, leopard habitats have transformed into agricultural land, leading to frequent encounters between humans and leopards, especially during the harvest season from December to March.
"The reunification process is crucial for the cubs as it allows them to acquire essential survival skills from their mothers, including hunting and adapting to the wild. Without maternal guidance, these cubs face a major challenge in their journey to independence," Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary of Wildlife SOS, said.
Working with farmers to rescue leopards?
Female leopards, known for their elusive nature, often choose sugarcane fields as birthing sites due to the dense vegetation providing a protective environment for their newborns.?
Also read:?Four Leopard Cubs Found In Sugarcane Field Reunite With Mother
However, as farmers begin clearing the fields during harvest, unsuspecting leopard cubs are often discovered, prompting immediate intervention from Wildlife SOS and the Maharashtra Forest Department.
"Since 2007, Wildlife SOS has been at the forefront of leopard conservation efforts in Maharashtra, working closely with the forest department to ensure the safety and well-being of these magnificent big cats," Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said.
How leopard rescues are carried out
Moreover, beyond the sugarcane fields, leopard cubs have also been found?fallen?inside open wells, adding to the urgency of conservation efforts. Open wells pose a significant threat to wildlife, as animals inadvertently fall into these death traps, often resulting in fatal consequences.
"Upon receiving reports of stranded cubs, Wildlife SOS along with the forest department, dispatches expert teams to assess the situation, conduct medical examinations, and facilitate reunions with their mothers," Mahendra Balu Dhore, Project Manager- Maharashtra, Wildlife SOS said.
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