Shillong, August 05: The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, today announced the launch of Mission Clouded Leopard, the State’s flagship programme dedicated to the conservation of the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), the State Animal of Meghalaya.
The announcement was made on the occasion of International Clouded Leopard Day, observed on 4 August every year. The Mission provides an integrated framework for securing viable populations of the species across the State.
It covers habitat protection and restoration, scientific research and long-term monitoring, strengthened protection measures, improved landscape connectivity, capacity building of frontline staff, community participation, public awareness, and collaboration with neighbouring North-Eastern States for landscape-level conservation.
The Mission will be guided by the Meghalaya Clouded Leopard Action Plan, being initiated by the Forest and Environment Department, which will serve as the strategic roadmap for the species. The Clouded Leopard is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, is protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and is included in Appendix I of CITES.
Known locally as Maccha Pheng in Garo, Lakrong in Khasi, and Khla in Jaintia, the species is arboreal, nocturnal and highly elusive. As a forest predator it regulates prey populations and is regarded as an indicator of forest health.
Meghalaya harbours some of the finest remaining habitats for the species in India, including the forest landscapes of Nokrek, Balpakram, Baghmara, Narpuh and Nongkhyllem, along with extensive community-managed forests. These landscapes face pressures from habitat fragmentation, loss of ecological connectivity, illegal hunting and snaring, declining prey populations and the effects of climate change.
The ongoing scientific assessment of Clouded Leopards in the State has, in its preliminary findings, enabled the identification of 21 individual animals in the Balpakram landscape, a significant outcome given the elusive nature of the species.
The assessment is being extended to all major Clouded Leopard habitats in Meghalaya to establish the first comprehensive population estimate of the State Animal, which will form the scientific basis for conservation planning, habitat management and long term monitoring under the Mission.
