Formosan Clouded Leopard is one of the species that is endemic to Taiwan and a rare species of large cat. They are scientifically named “Neofelis Nebulosa Brachyurus”. These leopards are considered extinct because they hadn’t been officially sighted since 1983. To determine whether this leopard is extinct or not, Taiwan and U.S. zoologists surveyed the entire region from the year 2001 to 2013, but they failed to spot even one leopard. As a result, this species was declared extinct in 2013.
However, these creatures have been reportedly spotted roaming around in the wilderness of Taiwan Country, by multiple locals in January 2019. They inspired a group of rangers to monitor the area for further information. It resulted positively because the rangers have now reported two sightings of Formosan Clouded Leopards hunting animals, and one running up a tree.
The biggest significance of the find is that it is helping to make the strategies, and further arrangements to stop outsiders from attempting to hunt leopards. The Forest department is now holding tribal meetings to discuss the sightings. Tribal members and forest officials are collectively making further efforts to conserve this former extinct species.
Most tribal members believe that they could stop hunting by prohibiting outsiders from the forest. The elders of the village are also discussing with Taiwan authorities to end logging and other activities that harm the land.
Liu Chiung Hasi, Professor of National Taitung University’s Department of Life Science, says that he believed leopards still exist. Liu said that the Formosan Clouded Leopard is known to be quite agile and vigilant, eluding human tarps and capturing, so there is no surprise that the leopards have not been seen by a human being in more than two decades.
Scientists and Conservationists say that our earth is currently undergoing the sixth mass extinction of flora and fauna and species going extinct at up to 1000 to 10,000 times the natural rate. Hence, spotting the Formosan Clouded Leopard in Taiwan is great news for our planet.
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