Spotlight On: ‘Unspottable’ Mahi

In the heart of Maharashtra’s Junnar region lies a safe haven replete with greenery, and here, a stealthy observer moves with precision. His piercing golden eyes, keen and alert, notice everything. His strong, powerful and agile body is designed for survival. Meet Mahi, our Leopard of the Month! Mahi was yet another victim of human-wildlife conflict that desired his rescue. Today, the nearly 7-year-old leopard is indeed one of the most fascinating denizens of the Wildlife SOS Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC).

Mahi’s tale is outlined by the delicate and often dangerous overlap of human settlements and wildlife areas. Rescued in 2022 from Khed, where sprawling forests meet vast agricultural lands, Mahi was on the receiving end of habitat encroachment. As his wild home rapidly shrank, each day became a gamble for survival. The Maharashtra Forest Department brought him to MLRC, a sanctuary that promised Mahi a secure space to heal, adapt and live without the looming threat of conflict.

In contrast to some of the more vocal leopards at the centre, Mahi remains composed,  observing his surroundings. He cannot be identified as one who commands attention through thunderous roars or playful antics. Rather, he flourishes in peace, blending into the terrain with ease. His presence is more often sensed than seen — a slight ruffle in the grass can turn the heads of our team members to where he could be, till they find a pair of unblinking eyes watching them from a shaded corner.

Even though he is a silent and reserved animal, Mahi, every now and then, expresses himself in an unusual manner. He creates a unique vocalisation by combining soft growls and chuffing sounds, which instantly alert his caregivers. While such rare calls by the large cat contrasts his otherwise quiet nature, it also hints at his personality that is complex, intriguing, and fascinatingly wild.

One of the most notable aspects of Mahi is his ability to vanish. In the wild, leopards exude stealth and agility, often camouflaging with the foliage as they stalk their prey. Likewise, Mahi exemplifies this instinct with breathtaking accuracy. Caregivers often find him crouching low, body pressing the ground, adopting the same body language as his wild counterparts. His rosette speckled golden coat allows him to disappear effortlessly into the grass and dry leaves in his field.

Mahi has mastered the art of concealing to such an extent that he applies it beyond the foliage as well. He keeps finding certain strategic spots inside his enclosure where he can hide himself, yet keep a watchful eye on what surrounds him. Whether it’s the shade of a log structure or one of the quiet nooks of his enclosure, he enjoys the pleasure of remaining unspotted—until he chooses to reveal himself.

Although Mahi is calm, and seems to be highly content being so, one should not mistake him to be inactive. His enclosure and enrichments have been designed with consideration to his wild instincts, giving him ample physical and mental stimulation necessary for his overall well-being. One of his absolute favourite enrichment is the raised wooden platform, which he uses to relax on and get a vantage point to keep an eye out on the field below him. Mahi exudes a majestic air when he sits atop this platform, scanning every move of his caregivers.

If his second favourite enrichment is to be guessed, it would certainly be the wooden logs. When he engages with these, Mahi’s playful nature can be seen. He effortlessly navigates between the wooden structures, sometimes rubbing his body against them — a characteristic often shown by felids. At other times, he can be seen using these logs as apt structures to hide behind. Mahi knows how best to use the natural greenery as well as the enrichments made by our team to play peek-a-boo!

Sunbathing is another activity that Mahi indulges in. On some days, he would stretch out in the warm sun, soaking up the heat. On other days, he chooses the shade, hiding in the cool comfort of his enclosure. His decisions are deliberate, with every movement guided by an inherent instinct shaped over thousands of years of his species’ evolution.

Mahi’s health is of paramount importance for his caregivers and the medical team at MLRC. He gets a well-curated meat diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, which is essential for maintaining the nutrient balance in his body. Mahi also receives multivitamins and a mineral supplement syrup that keeps his coat shiny and healthy, allowing him to maintain a regal demeanour.

Routine medical care also includes deworming every three months, a preventive measure that keeps Mahi’s digestive health in check. Regular check-ups ensure that Mahi continues to thrive in his protected environment.

Mahi’s story represents the fragile relationship between human development and the natural world. The coexistence between people and wildlife is a concerning subject that needs to be weaved in a delicate manner. Like Mahi, the survival of many other leopards depends on careful and timely interventions by locals that reside in areas that border forests.

Mahi has found a new home at MLRC — a place where he can live without fear or threat, bask freely under the sun, and disappear amongst the foliage as he would in the wild. This year, as we celebrate three years of having Mahi under the care of Wildlife SOS, his tale remains a testament to the strength, resilience, and unflinching commitment of those who work towards ensuring the safety of India’s wildlife. He might be a silent observer, but his presence speaks volumes about the urgent need for safeguarding these wonderful creatures.

If you want to help support Mahi and the other rescued leopards in MLRC’s care, consider donating for their care. Every effort, big or small, helps to create a positive future for these incredible felines.

Feature Image: Akash Dolas/Wildlife SOS