India Launches Conservation Plan for the Clouded Leopard on International Day
India's Commitment to Clouded Leopard Conservation
New Delhi, August 4 - India has reaffirmed its dedication to the conservation of one of Asia's most elusive animals, the clouded leopard, by initiating a Conservation Action Plan (CAP). Officials from the Ministry of Environment shared this information on Tuesday. This announcement coincides with the International Clouded Leopard Day, celebrated annually on August 4.
The CAP aims to establish a comprehensive framework for the protection of the species by securing habitats, restoring connectivity between forest areas, enhancing scientific monitoring, and involving local communities in conservation efforts. The clouded leopard is recognized as one of Asia's most unique and least studied species. According to the technical report of the 2026 Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan, it plays a crucial ecological role as an arboreal predator in the forests of Northeast India and the Eastern Himalayas.
The report indicates that historically, this species was found in the forests of the Northeast and was considered relatively common in the 19th century. However, significant declines in its population occurred in the 20th century due to extensive deforestation and hunting. By the late 1900s, concerns arose that the clouded leopard might have vanished from several natural habitats in India. Currently, the species exists in small and scattered populations across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, northern West Bengal, and parts of Bihar. Nevertheless, there is no reliable estimate of the total population of this species in India.
The report also notes that while the clouded leopard is present in several protected areas of the Northeast, conservation efforts outside these regions have received limited attention. In India, the clouded leopard is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, which provides it with full protection against hunting, trade, and captivity. A key component of the Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan is identifying 14 priority conservation scenarios in the Northeast region.
Additionally, standardized monitoring systems will be established through scientific methods such as camera traps, species presence surveys, and genetic studies, which will aid in better understanding the needs of this species and its habitat. Officials emphasized the vital role of local communities in wildlife conservation, stating that the action plan promotes community-based conservation and sustainable livelihood support. It also encourages cross-border collaboration with neighboring countries that share natural habitats to facilitate coordinated efforts for the species' conservation.