Panaji: Hours after a leopard rescued by the Forest Department died while receiving treatment, Goa Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane said the department is in the process of signing an MoU with NGO Wildlife SOS for handling wildlife emergencies.
A leopard spotted loitering on the streets of Villian village in Sanguem taluka was rescued by the State Forest Department on Monday and died on Tuesday while undergoing treatment. Rane had reprimanded Deputy Conservator of Forest Naveen Kumar for dereliction of duty.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday evening, Rane said the state government is in the final stage of discussions with Wildlife SOS — an NGO with centres across the country — to establish similar centres across Goa to handle wildlife emergencies.
“We will be providing them full support under CSR and other initiatives,” he said.
Rane added that special assistance would also be provided through the Forest Department to expedite the MoU signing.
The minister said the department is also trying to recruit veterinary doctors who specialize in wildlife rescue operations and emergencies.
“We are in conversation with reputed veterinary doctors who will be based in Goa,” Rane stated.
He expressed confidence that the association with Wildlife SOS will enable the state to save wildlife and protect endangered species.
“We have appointed a team led by PCCF Kamal Datta, Nodal Officer Frezella Araujo, Advisor Sujit Dongre, wildlife enthusiast from Karnataka Giri Kavale, and Charan Desai to oversee the agreement with Wildlife SOS,” he added.
