The Forest Department and Wildlife SOS were in for a pleasant surprise as they found the four leopard cubs, who had been recently reunited with their mother in Kabadwadi village in Maharashtra’s Junnar division (reported by India Narrative), were again found in a sugarcane field by farmers.

Also read: Maharashtra villagers happy by uniting 4 leopard cubs with their mother

It was the unique microchip number that helped the Forest Department and SOS Wildlife to identify these cubs.

Like in the past, this time too, the alert farmers spotting the cubs while harvesting reported to the forest authorities immediately, who in turn got in touch with the Wildlife SOS team operating out of the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre.

On reaching the site, Wildlife SOS veterinary doctor, Dr. Nikhil Bangar did an on-site medical examination and found that they had been earlier reunited with their mother, through the microchips consisting of a unique identification number that were implanted before the first reunion operation.

Mother leopards often leave their cubs in a protected area like sugarcane fields to go out to hunt.

Following the medical examination, the four cubs were placed in a safe box while camera traps were installed to confirm rescue by the mother. Later, it was found that the mother carried each of them to safety.

Sharing his views about this incident, Kartick Satyanarayan, Wildlife SOS CEO said: “Such rescue operations are extremely important as a mother’s care is integral to the survival of a leopard cub. Microchips have a unique ID that helps us keep a track of cubs that have been reunited with their mothers. This chip not only helps in reunions but allows us to study the range and territory of big cats.”