Jackal rescued, but open wells remain danger to wildlife

Pune: A female golden jackal was rescued after it fell into a 15-foot-deep open well in Khadkumbe village near Junnar on Monday, once again highlighting the threat such open structures pose to the wildlife across rural Maharashtra.Veterinary doctors said the jackal was around four years old.The Maharashtra forest department and a Wildlife SOS team held a 90-minute joint operation to rescue the jackal after villagers raised an alarm. The animal was safely brought out, examined, treated and released into its habitat.Experts said that despite ongoing efforts, uncovered wells pose a recurring hazard to wild animals.Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS Kartick Satyanarayan said, "Our open well conservation project is a proactive step towards reducing the risks posed by habitat fragmentation. The open well in Khadkumbe village was covered after the rescue, bringing the total number of wells covered under the initiative to 31."Dr Avinash Visalkar said wild animals are vulnerable to manmade hazards like open wells. "Fortunately, the jackal was rescued in time and did not sustain any injuries. Immediate response and coordination played a crucial role in ensuring its safe return to the wild."Assistant conservator of forests, Junnar division, Smita Rajhans said, "Covering open wells is a critical step to prevent such incidents. We urge local people to remain vigilant and report distressed animals promptly."