In News:

On the occasion of International Clouded Leopard Day, India launched the Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP) to strengthen conservation of one of Asia's most elusive wild cat species.

About Clouded Leopard

The Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a medium-sized wild cat inhabiting dense forests from the Himalayas through Southeast Asia to southern China. The Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi) is found only in Sumatra and Borneo.

In India, the species is distributed across the Northeast, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and northern West Bengal.

It primarily inhabits tropical rainforests, though it also occurs in dry woodlands and secondary forests. It is an arboreal, nocturnal predator, recognised by its distinctive cloud-shaped markings and exceptionally long tail that aids balance while moving through trees.

Conservation Status:IUCN Red List – Vulnerable

Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP)

Prepared under the Government of India–GEF–UNDP initiative, the Action Plan provides a long-term framework for conserving the species through habitat protection, scientific research, and community participation.

Key features include:

• Identification of 14 priority conservation landscapes across Northeast India.
• Habitat restoration and corridor conservation to improve connectivity between fragmented forests.
• Standardised scientific monitoring using camera traps, occupancy surveys, genetic analysis, and environmental DNA (eDNA).
• Greater involvement of local communities in conservation and habitat management.
• Promotion of transboundary cooperation with neighbouring range countries for coordinated conservation efforts.