On International Clouded Leopard Day, India Strengthens Conservation Through Dedicated Conservation Action Plan For The Wild Cat

Key Highlights:

• India launched the Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP) on International Clouded Leopard Day.
• The CAP was released during the 91st meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board of Wild Life (SCNBWL) in July 2026.
• The plan was prepared under the Government of India–GEF–UNDP initiative.
• It identifies 14 priority conservation landscapes across Northeast India for the species.
• The Clouded Leopard is now included under the Species Recovery Programme of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme.

Detailed Insights:

• The CAP provides a comprehensive framework for securing habitats, restoring forest connectivity, and strengthening scientific monitoring.
• It emphasizes community participation, technology-driven interventions, and empowering local communities for conservation.
• Standardized scientific monitoring includes camera traps, occupancy surveys, genetics, and environmental DNA (eDNA).
• The plan strengthens anti-poaching measures, wildlife crime prevention, and capacity building of frontline staff using the M-STrIPES app.
• It promotes community-based conservation, sustainable livelihood support, and transboundary cooperation with neighboring countries.
• The CAP integrates climate resilience and adaptive management to strengthen long-term habitat and landscape resilience.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP): A strategic framework for the long-term conservation of Clouded Leopards and their habitats in India.
• National Board of Wild Life (SCNBWL): A statutory body that advises the Central Government on policies and measures for wildlife conservation.
• Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH): A centrally sponsored scheme providing financial and technical assistance for wildlife conservation in protected areas and outside.
• M-STrIPES: A mobile-based monitoring system used for patrolling and ecological monitoring in tiger reserves and other protected areas.