The report also suggests that the big cats have been put on a leafy vegetable diet and have been given medicinal balls to play with. Since this initiative kicked off, the animals have not fallen ill and have had their weight under check.

According to the report, Sanjay Gandhi National Park officials have ensured the leopards follow the regime that includes the diet and exercise. The new menu for the feline creatures has beef, accompanied by a variety of plants which includes shrubs, palatable grass and medicinal plants which help in digestion.

Range forest officer, ShaileshDeore told HT that only consuming beef can lead to acidity and to control that, the leopards are fed plants to aid digestion. “Initially, they seemed to resent the change in taste but got accustomed to it over time. None of the leopards have suffered from digestion-related ailments in a year,” he said.

Due to unavailability of a natural environment, the leopards often fell prey to stress. To avoid such occurrences, and create a better environment, the feline creatures are provided with wooden medicine balls and artificial waterholes.

Vikas Gupta, chief conservator of forests at the park was quoted in the report saying that the artificial waterholes are made with stones from riverbeds which then bring about a natural feel and help the animal unwind.

In order to make the park more natural to the leopards, the authorities have tried to replicate forest-like feel by putting together worn out branches. While talking about how the initiative is showing results, ShaileshPethe, a veterinarian was quoted in the report talking about how the leopards are now able to maintain their weight within prescribed limits.

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-this-mumbai-sanctuary-has-fitness-regime-for-its-leopards-2218333

The Times of India

4 jackals rescued from poachers in Indore

Madhya Pradesh

Poaching

INDORE: Six people carrying four jackals were caught by the local police in Simrol on Monday.

According to SD Mule, Thana Incharge, Simrol, they received information that some poacherswere spotted in the region a few days ago.

The officials planned to catch them red handed, a team was formed and caught 5 people with four infant jackals on Monday.

"They were professional poachers and had weapons to catch animals like deer and jackals," Mule said.

The police officials immediately informed the forest officials and a team of forest department rushed to the spot taking the animals in their custody. Cases were registered against the accused and they were later produced in the court and sent to judicial custody for 14 days.

DFO Indore RN Saxena said that the jackals were healthy and fit to be released in the jungle. "They are young, we will run a complete checkup and release them in the jungle by tomorrow," Saxena said.

A large number of Jackals are found in Indore forest region and are often spotted in airport region of the city. However, not many cases of Jackals being poached have come up in the recent past. Forest officials are investigating if the people caught in the act have any prior history. The forest department has also been alerted to keep a check if some other people are operating in a similar manner.