The cubs were rescued from various parts of the northeast and hand-reared at the Center for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation, which is run by the state forest department and IFAW-WTI, in Pakke Tiger Reserve in East Kameng district. The cubs were moved to MWS late last year, where they were made to walk daily in the forests as IFAW-WTI animal-keepers helped them learn survival skills..

The radio-collaring was done by the IFAW-WTI team, in presence of Ipra Mekola, member of the state Wildlife Advisory Board, the WTI release said.

Meanwhile, MWS divisional forest officer Kenjum Rina appreciated the efforts of IFAW-WTI in wildlife conservation in the state. The organization also came in for praise from G B Pulu, a senior wildlife activist of the region.

"MWS has been identified as one of the best habitats for Asiatic black bears. By releasing the displaced bears in the sanctuary, we are adding to its biodiversity," said Sunil Kyarong, regional head of IFAW-WTI.

The team, comprising Soumya Dasgupta and animal-keepers Rama and Chotu, will now monitor the cubs by tracking signals emitted by the radio transmitters attached to the collars. The signals will be received by a high frequency receiver, the release added.