Sunday, July 19, 2015

MLRC looks at big cats’ exit


MLRC looks at big cats’ exit
There are 36 leopards at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre. FILE PHOTO
By Sandip Dighe

Manikdoh facility tells forest dept 9 big cats, caught from Junnar, are fit, ready to be released; forest dept disagrees

In order to create adequate space, officials from the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) have informed the state forest department that nine recently caught leopards are physically fit and can be released for their betterment.

Since its expansion two years ago — capacity was increased to 36 from 26 — this is the first time that MLRC claims to not have adequate space to house more big cats. However, forest officials claim that it would not be prudent to release the leopards right now as the state has received scanty rainfall and it might lead the big cats to disturb other forest areas, including human settlements in fringe areas.

V A Dhokte, range forest officer (RFO) of Junnar division, told Mirror, "Releasing the animals might lead them to encroach into areas with human settlement in search of water. Hence, we have not taken a decision in this regard."

Ironically, some of these animals were trapped after a spate of leopard attacks were reported from the division.

Meanwhile, Dr Ajay Deshmukh, MLRC's veterinary officer, insisted, "Considering the animals' physical fitness, they can be released. We have prepared a proposal for their release as well." Sources at the centre said a report card of each animal has been prepared, as the norm demands.

"We have provided all the details to the department. Now, it's their job to decide how many animals will be released." On the other hand, a senior forest official, who requested anonymity, told Mirror, "We cannot release all the animals at one go. They might be released in two phases at different parts of the state."

The release is a clandestine operation. Behavioural patterns and fitness levels of the leopards are mapped before setting them free.

Meanwhile, wildlife experts and department sources believe that the trapped animals should be immediately moved to a proper enclosure as prolonged captivity would impact their health and behaviour.

Vidya Athrey, wildlife biologist and research associate at the Centre for Wildlife Studies and Wildlife Conservation Society, said, "Ideally, the animals should have been released immediately. Prolonged captivity might create longterm damage."

Spread over 250-sq m, MLRC is the largest such facility in the country with well-designed indoor and outdoor closures. It also has individual dens, which are high enough for leopards to indulge in climbing. The animals are fed three-and-a-half kg of buffalo meat. MLRC sources added that the primary task at hand is to consider all aspects and that their release is need of the hour.
 

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