Two leopard cats, one Asian leaf turtle, and two reptiles rescued in Manipur

Imphal: In a successful bid to save wild animals, the Assam Rifles rescued three wild animals and two reptiles from different vulnerable locations and tribal hunters were handed over to the officials of the Manipur Wildlife and Forest Department for conservation, protection and preservation at a safe and suitable place.

Two animals — one Asian Leaf Turtle,  and two Leopard Cats along with two reptiles — a Cobra, and a Copper Headed Trinket snake were released in the wild at a safe and suitable place under the Central Forest Division of the State Wildlife and  Forest Department.

These wild animals and reptiles were handed over by the Assam Rifles to the Forest and Wildlife Department on Sunday through the People for Animals (PFA) Manipur, a voluntary organization for the conservation and preservation of wildlife.

The personnel of the 22 Assam Rifles rescued these wild animals from the clutches of hunters in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, dominantly inhabited by the Kuki-Zo tribal people.

Meanwhile, Heirok Police Station handed over a rescued Bengal Monitor Lizard (locally known as Hangkok) to the state wildlife officials through the PFA, Manipur.

The rare variety of lizard was found by one Khumanthem Sanjoy Singh of Heirok part III, Ngarouthel Leikai at his gate in Thoubal district.