India Launches Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan to Protect Elusive Wild Cat

The newly launched action plan provides a comprehensive framework for securing clouded leopard habitats, restoring forest connectivity, strengthening scientific monitoring and empowering local communities for the conservation of the species.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change stated that the action plan focuses on Habitat Protection, Scientific Monitoring, Landscape Connectivity and Community Participation across Northeast India.

The Ministry further stated that a key component of the Action Plan is the identification of fourteen priority conservation landscapes across Northeast India. The plan also includes landscape-scale habitat restoration and corridor conservation measures to strengthen connectivity between forest habitats.

The Ministry said that the Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan provides for standardised scientific monitoring and promotes community-based conservation along with sustainable livelihood support.

The action plan also integrates climate resilience and adaptive management into conservation planning, strengthening the long-term resilience of Clouded Leopard habitats and landscapes.

With a focus on habitat security, scientific approaches and community participation, the Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan marks India’s continued efforts towards protecting the species and ensuring the sustainability of its natural habitats across Northeast India.