LEOPARD REWILDING PROGRAM (LRP) - National Trust for Nature Conservation and WildTiger

I'm using technology to observe the relationship between the leopard cubs and their handlers.  It is critical to the success of the program that after a good health status is ascertained the cubs from that point only have contact with their main handler and backup and this isolation phase has been in place for many weeks now.  In this case the main handler is Asis Gurung with wildlife technician Tika Ram Tharu providing physical assistance and consulting.  My own role is technical backup and ongoing facilitation as we seek to establish a STAGE 1 facility.  We are all in constant discussion and planning as well as  always having to be conscious of STAGE 2 locations that need to be researched and surveyed to be suitable within the rewilding context.

The program is not an inexpensive exercise, the rewilding of the first leopard Asa ran into a cost of many thousands of dollars.  The effort to raise the funds as well as perform as handler did take a toll on me so I am determined we have a far more streamlined process.  The current unstable situation in the country is unfortunately hindering progress but the most important thing is that the cubs are in excellent health, are very wary of humans and stay hidden from them while at the same time maintaining the close bonds with their handlers.

There is a determination within the partner organizations, NTNC and WildTiger, that we do the best job possible.  We do need support but I am confident that going forward this can develop into the world class program it needs to be so as to provide effective ecosystem replenishment.