✎ Meghalaya's Mission Clouded Leopard aims to protect its state animal through habitat restoration, scientific research, and community participation.

Relevance for Banking, SSC & RBI Grade B exams: Polity & Governance

Meghalaya has launched Mission Clouded Leopard, a dedicated programme to protect its State animal, the mainland clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), which is listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Unveiled by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the mission encompasses habitat protection and restoration, scientific research and long-term monitoring, stronger protection measures, landscape connectivity, capacity building of frontline staff, community participation, and public awareness. This initiative, guided by the Meghalaya Clouded Leopard Action Plan, is crucial as India supports one of the most important remaining populations of this feline, facing threats from habitat loss, degradation, fragmentation, illegal hunting, and trade.

This development is relevant for Banking, SSC, and RBI Grade B exams under Polity & Governance, as it highlights a state government’s proactive policy for environmental conservation and wildlife protection, demonstrating the implementation of national and international conservation mandates. Questions could arise regarding the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the IUCN Red List, the role of state governments in environmental policy, and specific conservation missions, testing aspirants’ knowledge of environmental governance and sustainable development initiatives.

Source: The Hindu

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