Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma launched Mission Clouded Leopard on August 4. The debut coincides with International Clouded Leopard Day. It serves as the state’s flagship conservation project for the clouded leopard, Neofelis nebulosa. The animal holds status as the official State Animal of Meghalaya.
This mission creates a framework for long-term survival. Plans include habitat restoration, scientific research, and population monitoring. Staff will get new training. The Forest and Environment Department is currently drafting the Meghalaya Clouded Leopard Action Plan to act as a strategic roadmap. Officials plan to boost anti-poaching measures and foster collaboration with neighboring northeastern states.
The species is fragile. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and included in Appendix I of CITES. Local names include Maccha Pheng in Garo, Lakrong in Khasi, and Khla in Jaintia. This nocturnal predator keeps forest ecosystems in balance by regulating prey.
Habitats face real danger. Fragmentation, hunting, snaring, shrinking prey, and climate change threaten the cats. Known hotspots include Nokrek, Balpakram, Baghmara, Narpuh, and Nongkhyllem, alongside community-managed forests. Preliminary data shows promise. Researchers identified 21 individual clouded leopards in the Balpakram area alone.
The state is expanding surveys to establish a firm population estimate. This data will dictate future conservation tactics. Sangma pushed for a unified effort. He stated, "Today, on International Clouded Leopard Day, Meghalaya has launched Mission Clouded Leopard, a dedicated programme for the conservation of our State Animal." He called on youth, researchers, traditional institutions, and local communities to help save the cat.
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