Photo Courtesy: nenews
Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma started Mission Clouded Leopard on Tuesday. The program focuses on protecting the clouded leopard, the official state animal. The launch coincided with International Clouded Leopard Day on August 4, 2026. This initiative creates a framework for habitat restoration, scientific research, and population tracking. It also improves staff training and public awareness across the state.
The state Forest and Environment Department is drafting a strategic roadmap known as the Meghalaya Clouded Leopard Action Plan. This document guides all conservation efforts under the new mission. The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, holds Schedule I status under the Wild Life Protection Act of 1972, and sits in Appendix I of CITES. Local residents know the cat as Maccha Pheng in Garo, Lakrong in Khasi, and Khla in Jaintia.
The predator keeps forest ecosystems balanced by managing prey numbers. Primary habitats include Nokrek, Balpakram, Baghmara, Narpuh, and Nongkhyllem, alongside community-managed forests. These areas face risks from hunting, climate change, and habitat loss. Preliminary research identified 21 individual leopards in Balpakram. Officials are expanding this survey to build the first comprehensive population estimate for the state.
During the launch, the Chief Minister urged local groups and citizens to help. Sangma stated: "Today, on International Clouded Leopard Day, Meghalaya has launched Mission Clouded Leopard, a dedicated programme for the conservation of our State Animal." The government expects this mission to improve connectivity between habitats and boost collaboration with neighboring Northeastern states.
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