A cub belonging to a species of wild cat was rescued at Lakroh on October 1 and then handed over to wildlife authorities today.
The animal was described as a clouded leopard and was rescued by Dapmon Pohtam and Eddy Kery Pohtam while cleaning work was being undertaken on the premises of the mini hydroelectric plant. The cub was seen wandering the premises alone and, to protect the cub from poachers or other animals, the rescuers immediately took the cub into their custody and informed the wildlife wing of the Forest Department. The cub was later handed over to the Range Officer of Jowai so that necessary care and examination could be carried out.
Eddy Kery is the president of the Jaintia Students Union’s War Jaintia circle and he expressed his concern about the rampant hunting of wild animals and urged villagers to stop hunting and poaching of these animals so that they can be preserved as they are vital to the ecosystem.
After meeting with the Range Officer, F Passah, Eddy Kery expressed the need to create more awareness at the village level so that the locals understand the importance of preserving this wildlife and to stop engaging in poaching, hunting and destruction of habitat.
The clouded leopard is the state animal of Meghalaya and is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
