India launches Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan

India announced a new Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP) on International Clouded Leopard Day, outlining a framework to protect the species across Northeast India. The plan identifies 14 priority landscapes, promotes habitat restoration, corridor creation, scientific monitoring with camera traps and eDNA, anti‑poaching measures, and community‑based livelihood support. It also calls for trans‑boundary cooperation with neighboring range countries and integrates climate‑resilience strategies.

In Arunachal Pradesh, the Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve marked the day with awareness programmes, a wildlife quiz for students, and a two‑day capacity‑building workshop for Eco‑Development Committee members. Participants included officials from the sanctuary, WWF‑India, the Wildlife Trust of India and local community representatives, highlighting the partnership between protected‑area management and nearby villages.

The combined efforts aim to strengthen long‑term conservation of the clouded leopard, an apex arboreal predator and indicator of healthy forest ecosystems.