Guwahati: Three feline cubs have been spotted near the Unesco World Heritage Site of Charaideo Maidams in Assam, prompting the forest department to initiate an assessment to ascertain their species, forest minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said on Sunday.The cubs were spotted by local residents near the Maidam premises, Baruah said. The residents also recorded videos of them on their mobile phones. Their species has not yet been confirmed, and it remains unclear whether they are tiger or leopard cubs, or belong to another species, he said.A forest department team visited the area following the sighting to assess the situation and take precautionary measures, the minister said.Baruah urged residents and tourists to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from the animals, avoid approaching or chasing them, and refrain from gathering in large numbers, as crowds could disturb their movement. He also appealed to people to inform forest officials promptly about any further sightings.The minister said the incident underscored the importance of protecting wildlife habitats while maintaining a balance between human safety and wildlife conservation.While Charaideo is renowned for its historical and cultural significance, the sighting also highlighted the need to protect the natural environment surrounding the heritage site, he added.The Charaideo Maidams, the burial grounds of Ahom kings and queens, were inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List in 2024.The necropolis comprises around 90 mound-burial structures, built over hollow vaults made of brick, stone or earth. The structures are often topped with shrines and enclosed by octagonal walls.