International Clouded Leopard day is annual awareness day celebrated on every 4th of August for recognition and initiative to lift the status of clouded leopards both in captivity and in the wild. The majority of people are unaware of the clouded leopard and are unaware of the dangers they are exposed to.
The purpose of ICLD is to increase awareness and foster a shared conservation mindset across all zoological collections and for anybody with an interest in the Clouded Leopard, one of the most stunning and recognisable cats in the world.
Regarding Clouded Leopards:
The clouded leopard, scientifically known by its Latin name Neofelis nebulosa, is a medium-sized wild cat native to the foothills of the Himalayas, mainland Southeast Asia, and southern China. Since 2008, it has been classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. With a declining demographic rate, it is estimated that there are fewer than 10,000 mature people in the entire nation.
Even after being formally recognised as a species in 1821, the clouded leopard is still difficult to spot today. We know a lot about these cats because they are common in zoos.
Dates of International Clouded Leopard Day:
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | August 4 | Thursday |
| 2023 | August 4 | Friday |
| 2024 | August 4 | Sunday |
| 2025 | August 4 | Monday |
| 2026 | August 4 | Tuesday |
History of International Clouded Leopard Day:
A million years ago, the clouded leopard genetically separated from pantherine cats. Locally extinct in Vietnam, Hainan Island, Singapore, Taiwan, and perhaps Taiwan. Its overall population is thought to number fewer than 10,000 adults, with no single population exceeding 1,000. Due to this, it was designated as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List in 2008.
The clouded leopard population has been in danger due to widespread deforestation and commercial wildlife exploitation. Despite being protected by law in many nations, their body parts are offered for apparel and decorating. The 1980s saw the introduction of captive breeding operations due of the ongoing threat to their existence. When compared to how long they live in the wild, the clouded leopard has a healthy lifetime in captivity—11 years on average.
Howlett’s Wild Animal Park created International Clouded Leopard Day (I.C.L.D.) in 2018 to increase public understanding of the clouded leopard. Dan Kemp and Lauren Amos were the day’s leaders. Millions of people have learned about these species and the threats they face thanks to partnerships with zoos, charities, corporations, and many more.
There is a better chance of protecting them and their habitat if they are consistently kept in people’s minds. Working with clouded leopards at Howletts Wild Animal Park, Lauren Amos and Dan Kemp fell in love with the creatures and made the decision to commemorate all clouded leopards on August 4 every year, which the rest of the globe has since adopted.
Importance of International Clouded Leopard Day:
- It protects clouds leopards-
The protection of clouded leopards is aided by International Clouded Leopard Day. Due to their vulnerability as a species, these animals must be preserved.
- It increases our environmental awareness-
It is easier to appreciate and protect our environment when we are aware of the effects we have on it, especially when compared to clouded leopards. The environment improves as individuals grow more ecologically conscious.
- It promotes a worthy cause-
Like most awareness days, International Clouded Leopards Day promotes a worthwhile cause. These kinds of noble causes ought to always take precedence.
Some facts about the clouded leopard:
- In relation to its size, the clouded leopard has the longest canine teeth of any feline.
- Deforestation and poaching for their skin and teeth are the main risks to clouded leopards in the wild.
- It is unknown how long clouded leopards live in the wild, despite their elusive presence. However, they were OK with spending up to 17 years in captivity.
- The clouded leopard in Malaysia is referred to as the tree tiger.
- Clouded leopards live in South East Asia.
- Cloudy leopards can survive in a semi-arboreal habitat at times and spend the most of their time in trees.
- The clouded leopard is considered to be a medium-sized cat.
- It’s a modest effort to spread knowledge about clouded leopard conservation, and it may aid these stunning wild cats by providing them with a habitat for preservation.