Why in News?
International Clouded Leopard Day is observed every year on 4 August. On the occasion of International Clouded Leopard Day 2026 India announced the Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP) to strengthen the conservation of the species and its habitat.
About the Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP)
- The Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan was shared in July 2026 during the meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife. The meeting took place in Coimbatore.
- This plan was created with the support of the Government of India, GEF and UNDP. The goal is to help protect leopards in North-East India.
- The Action Plan includes protecting and improving the places where clouded leopards live. It also includes keeping the paths between forests. The plan has ways to watch the animals. It includes ways to stop people from hunting them. The plan encourages people to take part. It also includes working with countries. The plan helps protect the animals even as the weather changes.
- The plan names 14 areas where the clouded leopards are most important. The species is also part of the Species Recovery Programme.
