Barak Valley Wildlife Division Rescues Asian Jungle Cat From Well In Srikona, Released Back Into Wild 

In a rare and remarkable wildlife rescue, the Barak Valley Wildlife Division on Sunday, May 11, safely released a big Asian jungle cat back into the wild from a well in Srikona village, Cachar.

The nocturnal feline, a protected species under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, was first spotted by villagers who heard splashing sounds from a well. Mistaking it for a cheetah or tiger, locals used a rope to pull the animal out, unaware of its potential threat. Fortunately, their improvised rescue method did not injure the animal.

Trikal Chakrabarty of the Barak Valley Wildlife Division told Barak Bulletin that he received an Instagram message from a concerned local and rushed to the site. “When I arrived, I found the animal already out of the well. The locals were quite sensitive and didn’t harm it. We checked it for injuries or signs of stress before releasing it into a safe jungle far from human habitation,” Chakrabarty said.

He added, “Though Asian Jungle Cats are uncommon, sightings are rare. Finding one inside a human habitat is concerning. The rescued cat was calm throughout and ran straight into the forest the moment we released it. It was a special moment for our team.”

The rescue team included Sabir Ahmed Laskar, Abani Pegu and Manashjyoti Pegu, of the Barak Valley Wildlife Division, other than Chakrabarty.

The Asian Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) is also listed under Appendix II of CITES, which restricts international trade to prevent exploitation. However, despite legal protections, the species faces threats from habitat loss, wetland destruction, and illegal trapping.

This successful rescue highlights both the growing proximity of wildlife to human settlements and the vital role of community awareness and prompt action in conservation efforts.

Have you ever seen a wild animal in an unexpected place?