On International Clouded Leopard Day, India Strengthens Conservation through Dedicated Conservation Action Plan for the Wild Cat

On International Clouded Leopard Day, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP), prepared under the Government of India‑GEF‑UNDP initiative. Released at the 91st meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board of Wildlife in July 2026, the plan outlines habitat protection, landscape‑level connectivity, scientific monitoring (camera traps, occupancy surveys, genetics and eDNA), anti‑poaching measures, capacity building using the M‑STrIPES app, and community‑based livelihood support across 14 priority landscapes in Northeast India. It also integrates the species into the Species Recovery Programme of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme and encourages trans‑boundary cooperation and climate‑resilient management.