The Meghalaya government has launched Mission Clouded Leopard, a flagship conservation initiative aimed at protecting the state's elusive and vulnerable state animal through scientific research, habitat restoration and community participation.
Launched to mark International Clouded Leopard Day, the mission seeks to secure viable populations of the species (Neofelis nebulosa) across Meghalaya. It focuses on habitat protection and restoration, scientific monitoring, strengthened anti-poaching measures, improved landscape connectivity and capacity building for frontline forest personnel. The programme also promotes collaboration with neighbouring northeastern states to strengthen landscape-level conservation.
The initiative will be guided by the Meghalaya Clouded Leopard Action Plan, which is currently being prepared by the state's Forest and Environment Department.
A major boost to the programme has come from preliminary findings of an ongoing scientific assessment that identified 21 individual clouded leopards in the Balpakram landscape. Authorities described the discovery as significant given the species' highly elusive and nocturnal nature. The survey is now being expanded to all major forest habitats to prepare Meghalaya's first comprehensive population estimate, which will guide future conservation strategies.
Locally known as Maccha Pheng in Garo, Lakrong in Khasi and Khla in Jaintia, the clouded leopard is an arboreal predator regarded as an important indicator of healthy forests. The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and enjoys the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Separately, the Meghalaya Biodiversity Board, in collaboration with the Indian Youth Biodiversity Network, observed International Clouded Leopard Day by highlighting the importance of community-led conservation in forests outside protected areas.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests D. Sathiyan said local communities, youth and Biodiversity Management Committees would play a critical role in safeguarding wildlife. Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) P.K. Agrahari said wider scientific surveys across Meghalaya could reveal a much larger population than currently recorded.
The programme also featured exhibitions of artwork, crochet creations and short stories celebrating the clouded leopard, while community representatives reaffirmed their commitment to conserving Meghalaya's rich biodiversity.
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