Institutional & Policy Basis
- India has launched a Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP) to strengthen habitat protection, scientific monitoring, corridor conservation and community participation for the species across Northeast India.
- The CAP identifies 14 priority conservation landscapes and brings the Clouded Leopard under the Species Recovery Programme of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme.
Key Features of the Action Plan
- Approach centred on landscape-level conservation, scientific assessment, community participation and technology-driven interventions.
- Provides for a landscape-scale habitat restoration and corridor conservation to strengthen connectivity between forest habitats.
- The Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan was prepared under the Government of India–GEF (Global Environment Facility)– United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) initiative.
Scientific Monitoring & Technology
- Standardised scientific monitoring through camera traps, occupancy surveys, genetics and environmental DNA (eDNA) studies.
- Capacity building of frontline staff, including deployment of the M-STrIPES smart application for field-level conservation efforts.
- Emphasis on strengthening anti-poaching measures and wildlife crime prevention.
Community Participation & Cooperation
- Promotes community-based conservation and sustainable livelihood support for local communities.
- Encourages transboundary cooperation with neighbouring range countries for coordinated species conservation.
- Integrates climate resilience and adaptive management into long-term conservation planning.
Conclusion
The Action Plan promotes scientific, community-based and landscape-level conservation of the Clouded Leopard in Northeast India.
It will help protect habitats, improve forest connectivity and build climate resilience, ensuring the species’ long-term survival.
| Important CTC from this article for UPSC Clouded Leopard Global Environment Facility M-STrIPES Smart application |