![]() |
![]() |
|
|
||||||||||||||
Clouded Leopard Status Clouded Leopard Conservation Issues ![]() ![]() ![]() Stemming the flow of this wildlife trade is proving difficult. The participation of organized crime, corruption in the ranks of law enforcement, and a strong cultural tradition of consuming wildlife are significant obstacles to eliminating the activity. In addition, for local people with few alternative sources of income, the temptation to poach animals and harvest trees is often too great to resist. However, a new initiative by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations aims to develop a cooperative strategy to strengthen enforcement of wildlife laws and reduce market forces throughout the region in a serious bid to eliminate poaching. Furthermore, international efforts have raised local awareness of the ecological value of rainforests and the prospect of developing ecotourism destinations has created greater local support for rainforest conservation. Clouded Leopard Status ![]() Wild clouded leopard numbers are thought to be in decline, however scientists have no accurate estimate of true population numbers since they are so difficult to study and research efforts have so far been fairly limited. Further study is crucial for determining the extent of their populations. The new classification schema of the Sunda clouded leopard as a separate species has resulted in greater research efforts, especially in Borneo and Sumatra. These islands face some of the highest deforestation rates in the world, making field research and conservation efforts all the more valuable and timely. To ensure the long-term survival of clouded leopards it is essential that there are enough protected areas in which they and their prey can live. Equally important is the development and enforcement of strict wildlife protection laws to eliminate poaching of clouded leopards and their prey. Home | Terms of Use | Contact Us | About Us | Form 990 | Unsubscribe Copyright 2003-2011. The Clouded Leopard Project. All Rights Reserved. Original site design by elephants & ants. |