Footage: Leopard Cub Ride in Vehicle Post Rescue in Himachal Pradesh
In the picturesque town of Kotkhai, Himachal Pradesh, a local resident named Ankush Chauhan made a remarkable discovery - a leopard cub, approximately 20-25 days old, abandoned and vulnerable by the roadside. With a heart full of concern, Chauhan carefully intervened and transported the cub to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in Theog for care and further action.
The cub, thin and stressed but otherwise in fair health, was handed over to the forest department. The priority for forest officials is to reunite it with its mother rather than keep it in captivity. However, the rescue and the viral video of the man driving the cub in his car have sparked debate, with Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Parveen Kaswan emphasizing that rescue should be a last resort and that wild cubs are best left where found so that mothers can return.
The cub is currently under the care of the forest department with attempts to reunite it with its mother being the preferred course of action. The incident has raised awareness about wildlife rescue protocols and the role of locals in such situations.
The Current Status
The leopard cub is under the care of the forest department after being handed over by the rescuer. Officials are focusing on reunification with the mother rather than captivity. The cub's rescue reflects local goodwill but also highlights the importance of following expert guidelines to maximize wildlife outcomes.
Further Actions Recommended
Wildlife experts advise minimal interference with wild cubs unless in clear danger, securing the area to prevent threats, and allowing the mother to return naturally. Rescue and human contact should be a last resort with trained officials involved to ensure the cub's long-term survival. Public awareness campaigns could help locals understand appropriate responses to abandoned wildlife to reduce stress or harm to animals. Continued monitoring by forest officials to locate the mother or assess the cub’s condition and rehabilitation needs if reunification fails is also recommended.
The leopard, a big cat found across a wide range of habitats, including tropical rainforests, dry deciduous forests, temperate forests, and northern coniferous forests, is India's most populous big cat species. With the highest densities in prey-rich forested landscapes such as Central India and the Eastern Ghats, India has the largest leopard population globally. Despite this, leopards face ongoing threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching.
In a heartening note, just last month, a rescued leopard was shown in a video swimming across a river after being released back into the wild. As we wait for updates on the Kotkhai leopard cub, let us remember the importance of conservation efforts and the role each of us plays in protecting our wildlife.
[1] The Times of India
[2] Hindustan Times
[3] India Today
[4] Indian Express
- Since its rescue, the leopard cub's lifestyle is being monitored by the forest department with the aim of reuniting it with its mother, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the natural home-and-garden of these big cats.
- As the debate on wildlife rescue protocols continues, many experts recommend that pet owners refrain from taking in injured or abandoned wild animals, as they may face challenges in providing the appropriate care and enclosure for these exotic pets.
