Rare Glimpse of Endangered Clouded Leopard Family in Northeast India

In a remarkable discovery, a former Indian Forest Service officer has recently shared a video on social media that showcases a clouded leopard mother with her cubs moving through the dense forests of Northeast India. This footage is exceptionally rare, as clouded leopards are among the most elusive big cats in Asia, with their secretive, nocturnal habits and preference for living high in the treetops of dense forests.

With only around 10,000 mature individuals remaining globally, clouded leopards are officially listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Their populations are scattered across Northeast India, the Himalayan foothills, Southeast Asia, and southern China, and they face significant threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. In Northeast India alone, forest fragmentation and illegal wildlife trade are contributing to their decline.

The video shared by the former forest officer provides a rare glimpse into the lives of these mysterious creatures, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect this endangered species. Experts have advised the need for strategic actions, including establishing protected areas and creating transboundary wildlife corridors, to reconnect fragmented habitats and maintain genetic diversity among clouded leopard populations.