- Scientific Name: Neofelis nebulosa
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable, as the species faces threats from habitat loss, poaching and fragmentation of forests.
- CITES: Appendix I, providing the highest level of international protection against commercial trade.
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I, ensuring the highest legal protection in India.
- Distribution: Found in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and southern China.
- Distribution in India: Mainly found in the Northeastern States, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur and Sikkim, and also in parts of northern West Bengal.
- Habitat: Prefers tropical evergreen forests, subtropical forests, moist deciduous forests and montane forests, with dense vegetation and good tree cover.
- Distinctive Features:
- Named after the large cloud-shaped dark blotches on its coat.
- Possesses the longest canine teeth relative to body size among living wild cats.
- Excellent climber, capable of climbing down trees head-first and moving along branches.
- Long tail helps maintain balance while moving through trees.
- Diet: Carnivorous; feeds on deer, monkeys, birds, rodents, wild pigs and other small mammals.
- Behaviour: Mostly solitary, elusive and nocturnal, making it difficult to observe in the wild.
- Major Threats:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation.
- Poaching for skin, bones and body parts.
- Illegal wildlife trade.
- Decline in prey population.
- Conservation Measures:
- Protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Conservation through protected areas, camera-trap monitoring, anti-poaching measures and habitat restoration.
- Included in India’s Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) programme.
UPSC Prelims Question (English)
Q. With reference to the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), consider the following statements:
- It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
- It is included in CITES Appendix I.
- It is naturally found only in India.
- It is well adapted to an arboreal (tree-dwelling) lifestyle.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: The Clouded Leopard is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
- Statement 2 is correct: It is listed under CITES Appendix I.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: It occurs in several countries across South and Southeast Asia, not only India.
- Statement 4 is correct: It is one of the most arboreal wild cats, with exceptional climbing abilities.
