[ Bengia Ajum ]

SEIJOSA, 25 Sep: In yet another milestone in wildlife conservation, three male Asiatic black bear cubs undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC) here in Pakke-Kessang district have begun their journey back to the wild.

The cubs were moved to a pre-release site on Thursday, where they will remain for a few months to acclimatise before eventually being released into the Pakke Tiger Reserve.

The first bear cub was brought to the CBRC from Doimukh in Papum Pare district on 127 March this year after being rescued from individuals who were allegedly attempting to sell it. The cub was approximately four to five weeks old when it was admitted.

The second cub was admitted a day later, on 28 March, after being rescued from Borduria in Tirap district by local resident Wanghoan Lettey. The cub was around one month old at the time of rescue.

The third bear cub was rescued from Kamle district after authorities traced a social media post by an individual who had reportedly kept the animal as a pet. The cub was approximately two to three months old when it was admitted to the CBRC on 11 June.

A joint team from the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, is accompanying the cubs on the 26-km journey deep into the Pakke Tiger Reserve. The journey will be undertaken on foot and on elephants' backs.

Elated over the development, Pakke Tiger Reserve DFO Dhawan Kumar Rawat said: "From rescue to rehabilitation, these young bears are now taking an important step towards returning to the wild. Our commitment to their wellbeing reflects our dedication to the broader conservation efforts in the Pakke Tiger Reserve."

Dr Panjit Basumatary of WTI said: "Through the soft-release process, the cubs will gradually explore the forest under the guidance of Dr Subhasish Arandhara, ecologist, WTI, and experienced animal keepers. Over the next five to six months, we hope they will acclimatise fully and be ready for release into the wild."

The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) is categorised as 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in India.

The CBRC is jointly operated by the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and the WTI, with support from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Since its inception in 2002, nearly 50 bears have been successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild.