Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Environment
Why in News?
Recently, On the event of International Clouded Leopard Day, India officially launched its first-ever national Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP).
- The CAP was prepared under a joint Government of India-GEF-UNDP initiative alongside the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
- Strategy – The plan maps out 14 key conservation zones spanning Northeast India to restore fractured forest patches.
- Mandates advanced population surveys using camera traps, occupancy modelling, genetic analysis, and environmental DNA (eDNA) to build India's first reliable population estimate.
- Equips forest rangers with smart monitoring tech, utilizing the M-STrIPES app to track anti-poaching activities and patrol routes.
- Integrates adaptive management strategies to safeguard high-altitude habitats.
- Reduce human-animal conflicts.
Clouded leopard
- Scientific Names – Neofelis nebulosa (Mainland) and Neofelis diardi (Sunda).
- Conservation status – Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
- Population estimate – less than 10,000 mature individuals.
- Native habitat – Dense forests and high-canopy rainforests across South and Southeast Asia
- Distinctive traits – Exceptionally long canine teeth relative to skull size.
- Specialized ankle joints capable of rotating backward for headfirst tree descents.
- Long tail matching body length for balance.
International Clouded Leopard Day
- Observed annually on – August 4.
- Objective – To raise global awareness for the conservation, unique traits, and protection of the elusive clouded leopard.
- Established in – 2018 by the Aspinall Foundation, UK.
- The day highlights threats like deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade facing fewer than 10,000 remaining mature cats.
Reference
News on AIR | CAP
