Clouded Leopard Sighted in Kakoi Reserve Forest

A rare sighting of the clouded leopard has been recorded in Kakoi Reserve Forest in Assam, marking a significant development in wildlife conservation in the eastern Himalayan foothills. Captured through camera-trap monitoring, the discovery highlights the ecological value of smaller forest reserves in sustaining threatened carnivore populations beyond major protected areas.

First Recorded Sighting in Kakoi Reserve Forest

The clouded leopard, classified as a vulnerable species and listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, was detected during a routine camera-trap exercise in “Kakoi Reserve Forest”. Forest officials confirmed that this is the first-ever photographic record of the species from this reserve, extending its known distribution within “Assam”.

Limited Records Outside Major National Parks

Confirmed sightings of the clouded leopard in Assam have largely been restricted to major protected areas such as “Kaziranga National Park”, “Manas National Park” and “Nameri National Park”. The new detection underscores the species’ possible wider presence in lesser-studied forest patches, where systematic surveys have historically been limited.

Ecological Significance of Smaller Forests

According to forest officials, smaller reserve forests like Kakoi maintain canopy continuity and habitat integrity, allowing them to function as movement corridors and persistence habitats for forest-dependent carnivores. The camera-trap exercise was conducted by the Lakhimpur forest division with technical support from wildlife researchers, underlining the role of scientific monitoring in uncovering hidden biodiversity.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Clouded leopard is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
• It is protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Assam falls within the eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.
• Camera trapping is a key non-invasive wildlife monitoring technique.

Implications for Conservation Planning

State forest minister “Chandra Mohan Patowary” termed the sighting an indicator of a healthy ecosystem and a matter of pride for local communities. Forest authorities noted that it remains unclear whether the animal is a resident or a dispersing individual, reinforcing the need to integrate smaller reserve forests into broader conservation and landscape-level management strategies.