Clouded Leopard: Habitat, Distribution and Conservation

Category: Environment & Ecology → Wildlife → Big Cats

Scientific Name

Neofelis nebulosa

Characteristics

  • Medium-sized wild cat

  • Excellent climber

  • Semi-arboreal

  • Long tail helps balance.

  • Characteristic cloud-like markings.

Distribution in India

Mainly found in:

  • Arunachal Pradesh

  • Assam

  • Meghalaya

  • Mizoram

  • Nagaland

  • Sikkim

  • Northern West Bengal

  • Other parts of Northeast India.

Conservation Status

  • IUCN: Vulnerable

  • CITES: Appendix I

  • Wild Life (Protection) Act: Schedule I.

Threats

  • Habitat fragmentation

  • Deforestation

  • Hunting

  • Illegal wildlife trade

UPSC Key Pointers

Clouded Leopard → Northeast India → Vulnerable → Schedule I