International Clouded Leopard Day (also called National Clouded Leopard Day) is held on 4th August every year. It was founded in 2018 by The Aspinall Foundation and was first observed at Howletts Wild Animal Park in the United Kingdom. About Clouded Leopards Clouded leopards are called the smallest of the Big Cats and have many unique adaptations to help make them successful predators. The Clouded Leopard can be found in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Southeast China, Thailand, Malaysia, Laous, and Indonesia (Sumatra and Borneo). It ks unknown if the Clouded Leopard is still found in Vietnam. Clouded Leopards were once thought to be a single species. In 2006, genetic evidence showed tgat they are in fact two (2) separate species, the Indochinese (Neofelis nebulosa) and the Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi), the latter of which tends to be a bit darker with smaller, more distinct blotches. Both species - the mainland clouded leopard and the Sunda clouded leopard — are listed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), and their populations are decreasing. Facts about Clouded Leopards Among all big cats, the clouded leopard is the smallest, and best adapted for life in the trees. Clouded leopards weigh between 11 and 25 kg. That’s tiny compared to a tiger, which can weigh up to 325 kg. Their bodies are between 60 and 108 cm long, with their exceptionally long tails adding another 61 to 91 cm to their overall length. In proportion to their size, clouded leopards have the largest canine teeth of all cats Like all cats, clouded leopards hunt other animals for food. Clouded leopards hunt day and night, on the ground and in the trees. Clouded leopards are carnivores. They eat a wide range of prey, including small deer, monkeys, squirrels, pangolins, wild boar, and birds. Since 1975, clouded leopards have been protected through the international agreement CITES. They are listed in Appendix I, meaning that they should receive the highest levels of protection. Threats faced by Clouded Leopards Habitat loss and deforestation - The creation of palm oil plantations and urban infrastructure is leading to clouded leopard habitat loss. 34% of mainland clouded leopard habitat was lost between 2000 and 2018. And the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, which are home to the Sunda clouded leopard, have experienced some of the highest deforestation rates in the world. Illegal trade - Clouded leopards are captured or killed for use in the illegal wildlife trade. Skins and body parts are used in traditional medicine and for ceremonial clothing. Meat is used in exotic dishes. These secretive, solitary animals are also sold as exotic pets and to cruel big cat tourist attractions. Hunting and human-wildlife conflict - Clouded leopards are sometimes caught in snares set for other animals. If they prey on livestock, local communities may hunt them down in retaliation. Clouded leopards are also impacted by prey depletion. Their prey animals are overhunted for local meat markets. Source : International Clouded Leopard Day India's Committment to conservatoin of Clouded Leopards On the occasion of International Clouded Leopard Day, India has reaffirmed its commitment to the conservation of one of Asia’s most elusive wild cats through the Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP). Prepared under the Government of India–GEF–UNDP initiative, the Action Plan CAP was released during July 2026. The action plan provides a comprehensive framework for securing habitats, restoring forest connectivity, strengthening scientific monitoring and empowering local communities for conservation of the species. The approach focuses on landscape-level conservation, scientific assessment, community participation and technology-driven interventions to protect the species and its habitats. A key component of the Action Plan is the identification of 14 priority conservation landscapes across Northeast India, along with landscape-scale habitat restoration and corridor conservation to strengthen connectivity between forest habitats. The Government has also strengthened the institutional framework for Clouded Leopard conservation through the inclusion of the species under the Species Recovery Programme of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme. The CAP provides for standardised scientific monitoring through camera traps, occupancy surveys, genetics and environmental DNA (eDNA), enabling improved understanding of the species and its habitat requirements. It also emphasises strengthening anti-poaching measures and wildlife crime prevention. Capacity building of frontline staff is another important component, including the use of the M-STrIPES smart application to strengthen field-level conservation efforts. Recognising the critical role of local communities in wildlife conservation, the Action Plan promotes community-based conservation and sustainable livelihood support. It also encourages transboundary cooperation with neighbouring range countries for coordinated conservation of the species across its range. The CAP further integrates climate resilience and adaptive management into conservation planning, strengthening the long-term resilience of Clouded Leopard habitats and landscapes. The conservation of the Clouded Leopard is intrinsically linked with the conservation of the forests and natural heritage of Northeast India. Through the Conservation Action Plan, India is advancing a coordinated approach that combines habitat protection, scientific monitoring, landscape restoration, involving technology, community participation and international cooperation to secure the future of this remarkable wild cat. Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP) of India