In pleasing news, the three leopard cat cubs rescued from Chambang in Kra Daadi in June this year are now preparing to be released back into the wild at Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR). The cubs were raised at the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC), located within PTR. CBRC is jointly run by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary. Established primarily for rescuing Asiatic black bears, this marks the first time that CBRC has raised rescued leopard cat cubs.
The three cubs are expected to be released back into the forests of PTR within the next three months. The efforts of CBRC and PTR authorities deserve significant appreciation for their dedication. This achievement demonstrates that CBRC is capable of caring for and rehabilitating animals beyond just bears. Although the staffs are primarily trained to handle bears, they have successfully raised the three leopard cat cubs with great care and expertise.
Given the success of these efforts, the state government should explore the possibility of expanding CBRC to enhance its capacity to handle a broader range of wildlife. The success rate of rescuing and rehabilitating both bears and leopard cat cubs at CBRC underscores the potential of the centre. With continued support from the government, CBRC could play an even larger role in wildlife conservation efforts.