Rare Four-Horned Antelope Rescued from Deep Well in Raigad
In a remarkable wildlife rescue operation, a rare four-horned antelope, commonly known as chousingha, was saved from a 30-foot deep well in Shirgaon village, Mahad, Raigad. The incident occurred over the weekend, highlighting the collaborative efforts between forest department staff and NGO volunteers to protect endangered species.
Joint Operation Saves Endangered Animal
The rescue mission was initiated after the antelope was discovered in the well owned by local resident Sachin Mohite. Forest officials suspect that the animal, likely in search of water, accidentally fell into the well during the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. Upon finding the antelope in the morning, the Mohite family promptly alerted the forest department and volunteers from the Society of Eco-Endangered Species Conservation and Protection (Seescap).
By noon, forest staff arrived at the scene, joined by Seescap volunteers and local residents. The antelope was found sitting helplessly on a rocky surface just above the water level, requiring immediate intervention. Volunteers skillfully used rappelling techniques to descend into the well and secure the animal for rescue.
Successful Rescue and Release
The operation was conducted in the afternoon, with a veterinarian on-site to perform a thorough health check-up on the antelope. Range Forest Officer (Territorial)-Mahad, Ashish Patil, confirmed that the one-and-a-half-year-old male antelope had not sustained any injuries during the fall. "The shy animal was released into its natural habitat after ensuring it was in good health," Patil stated, emphasizing the importance of such conservation efforts.
This incident underscores the critical role of community awareness and rapid response in wildlife conservation. The successful rescue and release of the chousingha, a species known for its rarity and ecological significance, serves as a positive example of human-animal coexistence and environmental stewardship in the region.
