Wildlife SOS rescues leopardess from net trap in sugar cane field

Nagpur: In yet another remarkable wildlife rescue operation, Wildlife SOS, in collaboration with the Maharashtra forest department, successfully rescued a leopard from a net trap in Gangapur village in the Ghodegaon range.

The leopard was handed over to the forest department staff.

Recently a female leopard, approximately 7-8 years old, was found trapped in a net set up by local farmers in a sugar cane field to prevent wild animal intrusions.

The forest department was immediately alerted by the villagers, and a rescue team from Wildlife SOS’ Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre was dispatched to assist in the rescue operation.

The NGO’s rescue team, equipped with the necessary gear, reached the location and assessed the surroundings first. The Wildlife SOS veterinarian then proceeded with extreme caution and tranquilized the big cat from a safe distance. Once sedated, the team carefully cut the net ensuring no harm to the feline in the process.

Following the successful extrication, the Wildlife SOS veterinary team conducted a thorough on-site medical examination which revealed no injuries to the feline. The rescued leopard was then entrusted to the care of the forest department which released the animal into its natural habitat.

Dr Chandan Sawane, veterinary officer of Wildlife SOS, said, “Our immediate medical examination ensures that rescued animals are returned to the wild in the best possible health. We are thankful that the leopard was found with no injuries despite the feline being severely entangled in the net trap.”

RFO of Ghodegaon, Mahesh Gargote, said, “The successful rescue of the leopard in collaboration with Wildlife SOS shows our dedication and expertise. It highlights the importance of proactive conservation measures and reinforces the need for coexistence between humans and leopards in the region.”

Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS, said, “Habitat modification and fragmentation pose grave threats to the survival of leopards and many other wildlife species. It is imperative that we recognize the importance of preserving and restoring these habitats to ensure the long-term survival of these big cats and maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystems.”

“As human development encroaches further into leopard habitats, we witness a troubling disconnect between these apex predators and the ecosystems they rely upon. Leopards are increasingly forced to venture into human settlements in search of food and shelter. This proximity often leads to conflicts, endangering both leopards and human communities,” said Satyanarayan.


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