Short Communication
The Conservation of clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa (Griffith, 1821) in Bhutan Ugyen Penjor1
Camera trap photo of clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa in RMNP. (Photo courtesy: Royal Manas National Park)
Introduction Panthera lineage, the clouded leopard has 1996). Compared to other species of the Union for Conservation of Nature’s Endangered SpeciesClassified Commission as “Vulnerable” (IUCN by 2006, the SrivastavInternational and attention (Wilting et al., 2007). The cat’s attracted little scientific and conservation Neofelis secretive arboreal behavior and forest habitat nebulosa is one of the world’s most enigmatic wildNigam cats 2009), (Austin the et cloudedal., 2007) leopard and faces many thus very little is known about its conservation (Nowell and Jackson 1996) has eluded study, conservation challenges (Nowell and Jackson and status in the wild (Gordon et al
1Forest Resources Information and Management System (FRMIS), Department of Forest and Park Services Royal., Govern 2007;- ment of Bhutan. *
Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]
59 Povey et al et al., 2007). Most information about the clouded leopard in south forest habitats. Males weigh up to 23 kg and Asia comes .,from 2009; anecdotal Wilting sources (Grassman 1996) of its coat that provide camouflage in et al et al females are significantly smaller, usually 11- ., 2005; Rabinowitz ., 1987; Selous and is21 described kg (Pocock as 1939;bridging Prater gap 1965).between While small more and MohamedBanks 1935), et al descriptive accounts (Selous and closely related to “big cats”, the clouded leopardet al., Banks 1935), sighting reports (Davies 1990; taxonomy and., 2009)phylogenetic and captive status individuals remain longbig cats tail (Sunquist (Guggisberg and 1975; Sunquist Rabinowitz 2002). obscure(Nowell (Wilting and Jackson et al., 2007). 1996). Similarly, their 1987). It has proportionately short legs and a Clouded leopards are carnivores and their main Bhutan has the mammalian composition of prey includes gibbons, macaques, slow loris, two faunal regions, the Palearctic and the Indo- Malayan ranging from sub-tropical to temperate- et al alpine forest ecosystems (Sangay and Vernes small deer and wild boar (Banks 1931; Gibson- Hill 1950; Grassman ., 2005;et al Griffiths of a biologically diverse conservation priority 1993; Guggisberg 1975;et Hazarikaal 1996; network2008). Bhutan (Tempa has et al been., 2013), recognized yet few as efforts part etNowell al and Jackson 1996; Payne ., 1985; have been made to document the country’s andPrater rodents 1965; (Grassman Rabinowitz et al.,., 2005). 1987; Other Wang observations., 1995). suggest It also occasionallyprimates, muntjac hunts birdsand study the clouded leopard. Astoundingly, 11 felid Argus pheasant may be prey (Appel et al speciesbiodiversity are found in a in scientific Bhutan manner,(Wangchuk let et alone al., et al., . 2012; faunal diversity. Bhutanese efforts have detected depredation.Nowell and JacksonIt was once 1996). thought Rabinowitz that clouded common2004), which and largerepresents mammals, the richness but missed of predator rare and leopard(1987) recordedmainly hunts occasional from trees, domestic however, animal now elusive felids like the clouded leopard. A camera the majority of hunting is believed to occur trap study in Royal Manas National Park revealed the diversity of the felid species and provided Grassman et al et al insights as well as opportunities to further study Wangon the et ground al (Dinerstein and Mehta 1989; of these species (Tempa et al., 2013). ., 2005; Rabinowitz ., 1987; because of., its1995). strong While legs, a smalllarge predator,canines andthe extremeclouded gape leopard (Grassman can take et down al., 2005). sizeable prey conservation of wild felids include habitat requirements,Specific natural spatial-use history information patterns, vital social for rainforest habitats, but can also be found in dry woodlandsThe clouded and leopard secondary primarily forests utilizes (Mohamad tropical organization, reproduction, mortality, activity, et al., 2015, Ngoprasert et al and food habits (Lekagul and McNeeley 1977; et al andNowell to andbegin Jackson population 1996). viabilityThis information analyses can of ., 2012,Rabinowitz2 2 theseform specificpoorly criteriaknown forcarnivores effective (Austin management et al., ., 1987). Their normal home range is et al., 2005). estimated betweenet al ., 22.9 2005). km to 49.1 km (Austin 2003; Austin 2002; Austin and Tewes Ecology2007; Grassman and distribution As1999; a primary Grassman dweller of dense vegetation and The clouded leopard is named for the black remote habitat (Fletchall 2000), this medium cloud-like ellipses or spots (Nowell and Jackson
60sized felid is found throughout tropical and subtropical forests ranging from Himalayan protected Schedule I species of the Forest foothills through mainland Southeast Asia to China (Appel et al cloudedand Nature leopard Conservation or its part Actis strictly of Bhutan, prohibited 1995 ., 2012; Choudhury 1993; under(RGoB law 1995). and HuntingBhutanese and sentiments illegal trading for the of etDinerstein al., 2007). and In Mehta Bhutan 1989; the Ghosespecies 2002; is believed Mehta reverence of living beings further dissuades toand roam Dhewaju the dense 1990; evergreenRabinowitz and 1988; subtropical Wilting forest at 3000 m elevation (Wangchuk et al., poaching and hunting. Poachers are penalized or imprisoned to a maximum of five years term Phylogenetic2004). studies reveal that clouded Threatsdepending on the gravity of crime (RGoB 1995). leopards separated from the Panthera lineage Clouded leopards are victims of habitat approximately 6 million years ago (Wilting destruction and illegal poaching (Nowell et al., 2007). Biologists traditionally divided 2007). Their habitat in home range countries clouded leopards into four regional subspecies. is experiencing the world’s fastest rate of There are however, two species of clouded deforestation and fragmentation (Wilting et leopards: Neofelis nebulosa found in mainland al., 2007). Clear cutting of forests for use as Asia, and Neofelis diardi found in Borneo and agricultural lands, such as palm oil plantation, Sumatra (DeCaluwe 2012, Kitchener et al., is primary threat in most Southeast Asian 2006). they are also hunted for their canines, pelts Conservation status andcountries bones (Nowell for traditional and Jackson Asian 1996). medicines However, and enforcement is weak (Nowell 2007). It is et al estimatedAlthough officially that there protected are fewer in most than countries, 10,000 anthropogenictonics (Nowell interference, 2007, Rabinowitz non-target 1988, hunting Wang individuals in the wild and that populations and reduced., 1995). prey Further, are potential habitat encroachment,threats to the are declining and no single population contains et al., more than 1000 animals (Sanderson et al., clouded leopard (Rabinowitz 1988; Wang Due1995). to habitat destruction and overexploitation, Royal2008, SunquistManas National and Sunquist Park 2002).in Bhutan is the clouded leopard populations were decimated only protected area which has photographic evidence of clouded leopard (Tempa et al., et al 2013). Anecdotal information and incidental with only three sightings in 40 years (Wang sighting suggest occurrence outside Royal ., 1995) and are now assumedet al., extinct2015). Manas National Park and in forests ranging Poaching(1997-2012, is no 128,394 less severe camera in Bhutan trap and days several with up to 3000 m (Wangchuk et al zero capture) in Taiwan (Chiang evidence is available to substantiate these to tigers and leopards have been made in the ., 2004) but no southernseizures ofdistricts clouded of Bhutan leopard (DoFPS pelts in 2011). addition claims (Nowell and Jackson 1996). Research needs International Trade in Endangered Species of WildListed Flora under and Appendix Fauna I(CITES) of the Convention(IUCN 2006), on leopard is extremely limited (Austin et al., clouded leopards have also been given strict 2006,Scientific Grassman information et al ., on2005). wild No cloudeddata is protection in Bhutan by listing it under totally available due to lack of census, research and
61 monitoring to assess the population trend well as population status and ecology of prey of clouded leopards in Bhutan. Further, due species (Grassman et al., 2005). to increased land use and felling of primary et al., It is particularly important to generate 2015) for local and commercial consumption, baseline information on area vulnerability cloudedforest (Rabinowitz leopards may 1988, be on a Mohamad decline or occupy and poaching magnitude. Studies should also unfamiliar habitats. Such areas include private focus on assessing the demography, and site-
community-based conservation programs. arelands no in systematic fringe areas studies of protected of clouded zones, leopard thus Suchspecific studies conservation will assist measures the Departmentto help initiate of inresulting fragmented in human-wildlife forests of its range conflicts. in Bhutan. There Forests and Park Services develop evidence- Given the intensity of poaching activities and based conservation management plans for the current trend of habitat destruction in and these elusive and vulnerable species. small local populations are vulnerable and It is recommended research on clouded leopard shouldaround thebe region,monitored it must and be protected.realized that Unless even focus on the following: a comprehensive study of the population i. Assess the presence/absence, relative status, demography and pattern of threat is abundance and activity patterns of clouded action plan can be developed. ii. Evaluate prey species (Karanth et al., investigated, no specific recommendations and leopard; In recent years, felid research focused on tigers iii. Identify and document known and possible in Bhutan is generating valuable information 2004); on their habitat. But there is clearly a paucity iv. Document poaching and trade dynamics tothreats help todevelop felids and management their prey species; plans and in baseline ecological data of small felids, in programs for effective management. spiteof information of them playing and substantialan important deficiency role in forest ecosystems through regulating smaller Conclusion terrestrial mammals and bird populations Biodiversity conservation has long been accorded the highest priority in Bhutan (DoFPS 2011)
Some(Beschta literatures and Ripple suggest2009). management of conservation and science-based sustainability predators as a conservation tool (Sergio et studiesand legislation (as mentioned and policy in reflectthe National the need Forest for al Policy of Bhutan 2011). The constitution
(including., 2008). Eradicationherbivores, ofrodents predators and causedother in perpetuity (Constitution of the Kingdom of smallerextensive mammals) invasion resulting of fields in byhuman-wildlife crops pests mandates Bhutan maintain 60% forest cover et al., 2010). Therefore, we can infer that predators are important numerousBhutan 2008). awards Bhutan such hasas Champions been internationally of Earth notconflict only (Wallachto maintain ecological balance, but recognized for its conservation efforts through Award for environment conservation and Kyoto Effective conservation and management plans Award for the Asia Pacific Region, John Paul Getty ofalso predatory to mitigate felids some also man-animal require information conflicts. on the population status, movement pattern, InHall the of face Fame of rapid(Wangdi socio-economic 2014). development diet, habitat requirement and demography, as and population growth, many challenges
62 and threats to biodiversity remain. These are of the leopard cat Prioonailurus bengalensis partially addressed by Bhutan maintaining and clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. the protected area network that encompasses ActaZoologicaSinica, all~51% major of theecosystems. country’s These total landprotected area underareas 53:1-14. will likely assure the conservation and of the clouded leopard in Khao Yai National Austin,Park, S. Thailand.C., and Tewes, Cat News, M. E. (1999). Ecology fauna. However, Bhutan cannot ignore habitats 31:17-18. outsidepreservation protected of most areas of thewhich country’s are susceptible flora and mammals of Borneo. J. Malayan Br. Roy. Banks, E. (1931). A popular account of the to poaching and fragmentation, and must Asiat. Soc ., 9:1-139. all of the prime habitat for many species and Beschta,in terrestrial R. L., andecosystems Ripple, of W. the J. western (2009). somerecognize of thesethat protectedareas have areas become do not poaching include UnitedLarge predatorsStates. Biol. and Conserv trophic cascades hotspots. . 2009, doi: With poaching, habitat loss and illegal trade 10.1016/j.biocon.2009.06.015 threatening the survival of elusive and poorly Chiang,(2015). P., Pei,Is the K. J.,clouded Vaughan, leopard M. R., Neofelis Li, C., known felids, there is a need for comprehensive nebulosaChen, M., extinct Liu, J., in Lin, Taiwan, C., Lin, and L., could and Lai, it be Y. targeted assessments of clouded leopard populations across their distribution range habitat. Oryx (Srivathsa et al., 2015).Understanding the reintroduced? An assessment of prey and spatial and temporal ecology of wild cats Assam. Oryx, ,27:51-53. 49(2), 261-268 and their prey species is essential to convey Choudhury, A. (1993). The clouded leopard in the importance of conservation to local leopard Neofelis nebulosa in a troop of communities and wildlife managers (Austin Davies,pigtail R. G.macaques (1990). Sighting(Macaca ofnemestrina a clouded) et al., 2006) and to develop action-based in KhaoYai National Park, Thailand. Siam conservation management plans. Society Natural History Bulletin
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Tools: Ecological Rationale, Assumptions, K.E. (2007). Clouded leopard phylogeny (2008). Top Predators as Conservation revisited:H., Gadau, support J., O’Brien, for S.J.,species and Linsenmair,recognition and population division between Borneo and Efficacy. Annual Review of Ecology, and Sumatra. Frontiers in Zoology, Evolution and Systematics Vol. 39 National(2003): Studbook1-19. of Clouded Leopard (Neofelis About the author 4:15 Srivastav,nebulosa). A., Wildlife and Nigam, Institute P. of (2009). India, Dehradun Ugyen Penjor works with and Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi. Forest Resources Manage- Srivathsa, A., Parameshwaran, R., Sharma, S., Karanth, K. U. (2015). Estimating ment Division of the Depart- ment of Forests and Park Western Ghats using camera surveys. Services. He is an alumnus of Journalpopulation of sizesMammology of leopard cats in the Indian Forest Service (IFS).
Sunquist, M. E., and Sunquist,, F. doi: (2002). 10.1093/ Wild - Along with three officers in catsjmammal/gyv079 of the world. University of Chicago hensive and exhaustive National Forest Inven- Press. toryFRMD, (NFI) he is of coordinating Bhutan. He wouldthe first like ever to comprework on Tempa, T., et.al (2013). Royal Manas National cryptic and lesser known carnivore species in Park, Bhutan: a hotspot for wild felids. understanding their distribution and behavior. Oryx He is interested in understanding the economic Wallach, A. D., Johnson, C. N., Ritchie, E. G., and conservation priority overlap between for- and ,O’Neil, 47 (2): A. 207-210. J. (2010). Predator control est and wildlife management. 65