https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Over 60 Orphaned Asiatic Black Bears Rescued by CBRC at Pakke Tiger Reserve

CBRC in Pakke Tiger Reserve rescues orphaned Asiatic black bears, using soft release methods to ensure successful reintegration into the wild.
Indian Masterminds Stories

Amidst the verdant expanse of Arunachal Pradesh, Pakke Tiger Reserve stands as a significant site for wildlife protection, particularly for the vulnerable Asiatic black bear. The Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC), a collaborative effort between the Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), and the reserve itself, has been quietly making remarkable strides since its inception in 2002. This initiative has successfully rescued and returned over 60 orphaned Asiatic black bear cubs to their natural habitat, marking a substantial contribution to the region’s biodiversity.

Beyond its focus on black bears, CBRC serves as the primary rescue centre for 23 districts of Arunachal Pradesh. Injured hornbills, Burmese pythons, and other displaced animals find refuge here, receiving necessary treatment before their eventual release back into the wild. This broad scope underscores the centre’s vital role in the regional ecosystem.

WHY BLACK BEARS?

The specialisation in Asiatic black bears stems from a critical conservation need. As IFS Satyaprakash Singh (2015 batch, AGMUT Cadre) DFO, Pakke Tiger Reserve, explained to Indian Masterminds, “Hunting of Asiatic black bears may be occurring in some part of the country, likely driven by the illegal demand for their bile, which is used in traditional medicine in countries like China and Thailand.”

He further elaborates on the centre’s intervention: “Often, villagers would find these distressed cubs and bring them to us. These young ones are under immense stress, so our initial priority is providing them with treatment and care.”

A key learning for CBRC came early in its operations. Initial attempts involved keeping rescued cubs at the centre for extended periods. However, this led to the animals becoming reluctant to return to the wild. “That was a crucial lesson,” Mr Singh recounts. “We realised that prolonged stays in the centre hindered their natural instincts. This led us to develop the concept of ‘soft release’.”

A GRADUAL RETURN TO THE WILD 

The soft release protocol involves a gradual transition back to the wild. After initial treatment, cubs are moved to large enclosures within the forest. Here, animal keepers take them on daily walks, covering distances of five to six kilometres. This crucial phase allows the young bears to familiarise themselves with the forest environment, learn to forage for food, and develop essential survival skills. “These cubs are entirely dependent on their mother’s milk initially,” Mr Singh points out. “Around five to six months of age, we begin training them to find their own food within the forest. This guided learning is vital for their successful reintegration.”

POST-RELEASE MONITORING 

Once deemed capable, the bears are released. However, the monitoring doesn’t end there. Radio collars are fitted to track their movements, allowing the team to assess their adaptation to the wild and ensure they are not consistently returning to base camps. “For about six months, we diligently monitor their behaviour,” says Mr Singh. “We observe if they are integrating with other wildlife and whether they are able to sustain themselves independently. If a bear doesn’t return to our vicinity for a week or two, we consider it a successful rewilding.”

The selection of Pakke Tiger Reserve as the site for CBRC was strategic. Mr Singh emphasises the area’s ecological significance: “Pakke Tiger Reserve is truly a haven for wildlife in Arunachal Pradesh. It offers a highly protected and secure environment.” He also highlights the crucial support from local communities. “We receive excellent cooperation from the people living around the reserve. They are increasingly aware of the importance of wildlife conservation.”

A COLLABORATIVE CONSERVATION EFFORT 

Over the years, CBRC has not only refined its rehabilitation techniques but has also fostered a strong collaborative network. “The success of CBRC is not solely a departmental effort,” Mr Singh asserts. “It thrives on the close collaboration between the Wildlife Trust of India and the local communities.” This partnership extends to well-trained staff, including members of the Special Target Protection Force (STPF). Community initiatives like the Hornbill Nest Adoption Program further contribute to the growing awareness and support for wildlife conservation in the region. “People are understanding that protecting wild animals can also boost ecotourism in their areas,” Mr Singh notes.

CBRC stands out as the first dedicated rescue centre for Asiatic black bears in India, pioneering the soft release model. This approach distinguishes it from other wildlife rescue centres across the country. If an orphaned Asiatic black bear is found anywhere in India, it is likely to be brought to our centre. They serve not just Arunachal Pradesh but other northeastern states as well, applying the same carefully developed rehabilitation process.

ASSESSING IMPACT 

Looking ahead, CBRC continues to employ innovative techniques. Radio telemetry remains a vital tool for post-release monitoring. Additionally, the Wildlife Trust of India has initiated a long-term survey within Pakke Tiger Reserve to assess the impact of CBRC’s efforts on the Asiatic black bear population. “This survey, now in its second year, aims to provide concrete data on the project’s success,” Mr Singh states. “We anticipate that in a couple of years, we will have a clearer picture of how the Asiatic black bear population density has changed over the past two decades.”

The journey of CBRC has been one of continuous learning and adaptation. From initial challenges in reintroducing bears to the wild to building trust with local communities, the centre’s evolution reflects a deep commitment to conservation. As Satyaprakash Singh aptly puts it, “This is a long-term project, spanning over two decades. The credit for its achievements belongs to all – the dedicated veterinarians, the committed field directors and staff, and the supportive community members living around Pakke Tiger Reserve. It’s a collective endeavour.”


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Two crossed national flags on wooden table
President Trump Announces 25% Tariff on Indian Imports, Penalty Over Russian Oil and Defence Deals
Anurag-and-Rajib
Tripura Cadre IPS Officers Rajiv Singh, Anurag Make It to DG Empanelment List- Check Details
Uttar Pradesh CM resized
Centre Approves Central Deputation for Three Senior UP-Cadre IPS Officers-Know More About Them
Gauhati-High-Court-
Judicial Boost: Four Judges Appointed to Gauhati High Court; Notification Issued by Centre- Know More
Manoj Kumar Singh
Centre Yet to Decide on Extension for UP Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh as Retirement Nears- Details Inside
GP-SINGH
GP Singh Emerges as Front-Runner for Delhi Police Commissioner Post as Sanjay Arora’s Tenure Ends
N-PrashanthA-Jayathilak-
Suspended Kerala IAS Officer Alleges File Tampering, Misuse of e-Office System by Chief Secretary
MIB
Administrative Shake-Up: Centre Transfers 13 Senior IIS Officers Across Key Media Institutions- Check Details
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Ananth Rupanagudi IRAS
IRAS Ananth Rupanagudi’s Take on Corruption, Reform, and Duty
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-26 at 13.16
What Most Indians Don't Know About Jim Corbett
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-24 at 18.24
How Fireflies and Butterflies Returned In Corbett’s Homeland
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
BPSC Bihar police
From Lantern Light to Police Uniform: How Praveen Kumar from a Small Bihar Village Cracked BPSC to Become SDPO
From a lantern-lit village in Bihar to becoming an SDPO, Praveen Kumar's journey is a testament to resilience,...
IAS Priyansha Garg
Why Mindset Matters: IAS Priyansha Garg’s Mental Health Mantra for UPSC
After two failed prelims, Priyansha Garg cracked UPSC with AIR 31 in her fourth attempt, proving how...
Ashish Akshat
From Setback to State Topper: How Ashish Akshat Topped JPSC While Working Full-Time
Ashish Akshat from Dhanbad topped JPSC 2023, proving that resilience, discipline, and family support...
Social Media
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve: From India’s First Sanctuary to a Tiger Conservation Success Story | International Tiger Day Special
IAS Supriya Sahu Hails Mudumalai's Role in Tiger Conservation on Tiger Day. Declared in 1940, Now Among...
Mangroves
Mangroves: Nature’s Shield Against Disasters, Says Officer Parveen Kaswan on Mangroves Day - Watch His Post Here
Mangroves, with their dense, interlaced root systems, form a mesh-like structure that serves as a buffer...
Retired IPS Inderjit Singh Sidhu
Purpose Doesn’t Retire: How 88-Year-Old Retired DIG Becomes Chandigarh’s ‘Quiet Warrior’ of Cleanliness
Inderjit Singh Sidhu’s Dawn Patrol Earns Applause, Mahindra’s Praise for a Man Who Chose Action Over...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Two crossed national flags on wooden table
President Trump Announces 25% Tariff on Indian Imports, Penalty Over Russian Oil and Defence Deals
Anurag-and-Rajib
Tripura Cadre IPS Officers Rajiv Singh, Anurag Make It to DG Empanelment List- Check Details
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Ananth Rupanagudi IRAS
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-26 at 13.16
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-24 at 18.24
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT