Clouded Leopard Sighted for First Time in Assam’s Kakoi Reserve Forest

Rare Carnivore Recorded in Kakoi Reserve Forest

A rare sighting of the clouded leopard has been documented in Kakoi Reserve Forest in Assam, marking a significant milestone for wildlife conservation in the eastern Himalayan foothills . The elusive big cat was captured during a routine camera-trap monitoring exercise , providing the first photographic evidence of the species from this reserve forest.

Expanding Known Distribution in Assam

Forest officials confirmed that this is the first recorded presence of the clouded leopard in Kakoi Reserve Forest, extending the species’ known range within Assam. Until now, confirmed records of the animal in the state were largely confined to major protected areas such as Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, and Nameri National Park . The new finding suggests that the species may be using smaller and less-studied forest patches more extensively than previously understood.

Importance of Smaller Forest Reserves

According to officials from the Lakhimpur Forest Division , smaller reserve forests like Kakoi play a critical ecological role by maintaining canopy cover, habitat continuity, and movement corridors for forest-dependent carnivores. The detection was made with technical support from wildlife researchers, highlighting how scientific monitoring tools such as camera traps are essential for uncovering hidden biodiversity outside flagship reserves.

Conservation Implications

The clouded leopard , known for its arboreal lifestyle and secretive behaviour, is considered an indicator of healthy forest ecosystems . Assam Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary described the sighting as a positive signal of ecological integrity and a source of pride for local communities. However, forest authorities cautioned that it is still unclear whether the individual is a permanent resident or a dispersing animal.

Need for Landscape-Level Planning

Officials emphasised that the discovery strengthens the case for integrating smaller reserve forests into broader conservation frameworks. Protecting such habitats and ensuring connectivity between them and larger protected areas will be vital for sustaining threatened species and maintaining long-term ecological balance in the region.

Important Facts for Exams

• Clouded leopard is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List

• It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

• Assam lies within the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot

• Camera trapping is a non-invasive wildlife monitoring technique