On International Clouded Leopard Day, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced a new Conservation Action Plan (CAP) aimed at safeguarding the Clouded Leopard in Northeast India.
Key Developments
- Release date: The CAP was unveiled at the 91st meeting of the SCNBWL in Coimbatore, July 2026.
- Landscape focus: Identification of 14 priority conservation landscapes for habitat restoration and corridor creation.
- Institutional support: Inclusion of the species under the Species Recovery Programme of the IDWH scheme.
- Scientific monitoring: Use of camera traps, occupancy surveys, genetics and eDNA for robust data collection.
- Capacity building: Deployment of the M‑STrIPES app to train frontline staff.
- Community involvement: Promotion of community‑based conservation, sustainable livelihoods and trans‑boundary cooperation with neighbouring range countries.
Important Facts
- The plan is a joint effort under the GEF‑