Wildlife Profile: Clouded Leopard
The clouded leopard is a unique wild cat that is native to the forests of South-East Asia, in places such as the foothills of the Himalayas. They were once more widespread to a much larger territory throughout much of Asia’s lowland mountainous regions.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (population decreasing)
Scientific Name: Neofelis nebulosa
Current Range:
Sumatra, Borneo, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, southeastern Bangladesh, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and southern China.
Habitat:
Forests of southeast Asia and the eastern Himalayas
(Subtropical & Tropical Moist Forests)
Threats:
Habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, deforestation, poaching, illegal wildlife trade & Human-wildlife conflict
Action Needed:
The most significant course of action is land protection and legal consequences for those disregarding the protection status of clouded leopards. Land conservation is an active policy that many wildlife species depend upon. Reversing the severe damage that occurred during the "latter half of the 20th century" must be our priority. The result of deforestation and hunting has devastated biodiversity in the region. (And, around the world.) Rewilding allows habitats to regenerate. Therefore, increasing the chances of species recovering and stabilising.
In addition, restoring wild spaces supports the interconnected nature of wildlife. Increasing the capacity for monitoring and patrolling areas adds to the efforts of preventing illegal activities. Clouded leopards are recognised as protected species. International cooperation is vital in stopping the illegal wildlife trade that is targeting this species, along with other species. Law enforcement must be effective to end the trade cycle.
Failure to act will result in clouded leopards joining the long list of species that are on the brink of extinction.
