A leopard cub was rescued at the Lakroh Micro Hydroelectric Project complex in West Jaintia Hills by Dapmon Pohtam and Eddy Kery Pohtam.
This leopard cub was rescued on Friday while cleaning work was being carried out at the campus of the powerhouse where it was seen wandering alone.
“To protect the cub and save it from poachers or other animals, the rescuers immediately took the cub into their custody and informed the wildlife wing of the forest department,” sources said.
The leopard cub was later handed over by Eddy Kery Pohtam to the Range officer of Jowai on Saturday so that the necessary care and examination could be done by the forest department.
Eddy Kery Pohtam is the president of the War Jaintia Circle of Jaintia Students’ Union.
He expressed extreme concern over the rampant hunting of wild animals especially by people from the area.
Pohtam urged the villagers to stop hunting and poaching these animals so that they can be preserved as they are vital to the ecosystem.
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After meeting Range officer F. Passah, Pohtam expressed the need to create more awareness at the village level so that the locals understand the importance of preserving wildlife and stop engaging in poaching and hunting habits of wildlife.
He pointed out that the villagers should be informed about the consequences or punishments as per the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 which can land a person up to 3 years for such offences.
Pohtam said if the villagers come to know about the punishments under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, they would not continue such habits.
He alleged rampant the habit of wildlife hunting has been continuing in the Lakroh area and other War Jaintia areas.