India launched the Clouded Leopard
Conservation Action Plan marking International Clouded Leopard Day
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India launched the
Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan on 4 August 2026, marking
International Clouded Leopard Day.
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The Action Plan was
prepared under the Government of India–GEF–UNDP initiative.
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It was released during
the 91st meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife
(NBWL) in Coimbatore.
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The Clouded Leopard is a
wild cat species found primarily in the forests of Northeast India and parts of
South and Southeast Asia.
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It is listed as
Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
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In India, it is protected
under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
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The Action Plan provides
a framework for habitat security, forest connectivity, scientific monitoring,
and community participation.
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It identifies 14 Priority
Conservation Landscapes across Northeast India for landscape-level habitat
restoration and corridor conservation.
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The plan emphasizes
habitat restoration and the conservation of wildlife corridors between forest
patches.
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It includes standardized
monitoring methods such as camera traps, occupancy surveys, genetic analysis,
and environmental DNA (eDNA) studies.
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The plan also covers
anti-poaching measures, wildlife crime prevention, and capacity building of
frontline forest staff through the M-STrIPES smart application.
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