SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on August 4 announced the launch of “Mission Clouded Leopard,” Meghalaya’s flagship conservation programme dedicated to safeguarding the state animal, the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa).
The launch coincided with International Clouded Leopard Day, observed annually on August 4.
Mission Clouded Leopard establishes an integrated strategic framework to secure viable populations of the species across Meghalaya.
Guided by the Meghalaya Clouded Leopard Action Plan from the Forest and Environment Department, the mission focuses on habitat protection and restoration, scientific research, long-term monitoring, enhanced protection measures, improved landscape connectivity, capacity building for frontline staff, public awareness, community participation, and regional collaboration with neighboring North-Eastern states for landscape-level conservation.
The Clouded Leopard, listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List since 2008, receives the highest protection under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and is included in Appendix I of CITES. Locally known as Maccha Pheng in Garo, Lakrong in Khasi, and Khla in Jaintia, this arboreal, nocturnal, and elusive predator is a key indicator of forest health by regulating prey populations.
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Meghalaya hosts some of India’s finest remaining habitats for the species—including Nokrek, Balpakram, Baghmara, Narpuh, and Nongkhyllem, along with extensive community-managed forests—currently threatened by habitat fragmentation, ecological disconnection, illegal hunting, snaring, declining prey species, and climate change.
Preliminary findings from an ongoing scientific assessment have already identified 21 individual Clouded Leopards in the Balpakram landscape—a significant achievement given the animal’s secretive nature.
The assessment is expanding to all major habitats in Meghalaya to produce the state’s first comprehensive population estimate, which will form the scientific basis for future conservation planning and monitoring.
Calling for broad collective action, Chief Minister Sangma urged traditional institutions, local communities, youth, researchers, conservation organizations, and all citizens to join hands in safeguarding Meghalaya’s state animal.
(4FrontMedia news)
