Locals Rescue Asian Leopard Cat, Hand it Over to Forest Department

An Asian Leopard Cat (Scientific name: Prionailurus bengalensis) was rescued on Tuesday from the residence of Mohammad Ibomcha in Ward No. 1 of the Kwakta Terakhongsangbi Municipal Council under Bishnupur district, Manipur.

The Leopard Cat was later handed over to the Moirang Range Forest Office.

According to sources, Mohammad Ibomcha, a resident of Kwakta Ward No. 7, came across the animal inside his house on Wednesday afternoon. Initially, he thought it was a domestic cat, but when he approached the animal, it resisted. Thereafter, Ibomcha realised that it was not a cat but a leopard cat.

Ibomcha informed Anis Ahamad, an environmentalist from Kwakta Ward No. 7.

Anis then informed the Moirang Range Forest Office, following which the animal was rescued by officials from the range office at around 2:30 p.m.

Anis is well known among locals for his wildlife conservation efforts. He has reportedly handed over 40 different wildlife species to the Forest Department.

In recognition of his contributions, the Forest Department, Manipur, awarded Anis Ahamad the State Wildlife Incentive Award in 2022 and 2023.