Guwahati: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday launched Mission Clouded Leopard, the state’s flagship conservation programme aimed at protecting the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Meghalaya’s State Animal.
The mission was launched on International Clouded Leopard Day and will be guided by the Meghalaya Clouded Leopard Action Plan, which is being prepared by the state’s Forest and Environment Department.
The programme focuses on habitat protection and restoration, scientific research, long-term monitoring, anti-poaching measures, improving landscape connectivity, community participation, public awareness and collaboration with neighbouring northeastern states.
The Clouded Leopard, listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, enjoys the highest level of protection under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and is included in Appendix I of CITES. The species is locally known as Maccha Pheng in Garo, Lakrong in Khasi and Khla in Jaintia.
Sangma said Meghalaya retains some of the country’s key habitats for the elusive big cat, including the forest landscapes of Nokrek, Balpakram, Baghmara, Narpuh and Nongkhyllem, besides extensive community-managed forests. He said these habitats face growing threats from habitat fragmentation, declining ecological connectivity, illegal hunting, shrinking prey populations and climate change.
A preliminary scientific assessment has identified 21 individual Clouded Leopards in the Balpakram landscape, a significant finding given the species’ elusive and nocturnal behaviour. The survey is being expanded across major Clouded Leopard habitats in the state to develop the first comprehensive population estimate, which will support future conservation planning and long-term monitoring.
Sangma urged traditional institutions, local communities, youth, researchers, conservation organisations and citizens to work together to protect Meghalaya’s State Animal and ensure its long-term survival.