Sunda Clouded Leopard Population Decline in Borneo

There are now just around 3,800 Sunda clouded leopards left in Borneo. The loss of habitat brought on by human actions like deforestation is connected to this reduction. According to a recent research headed by Oxford University's Ewan Macdonald and published on August 21, 2024 in npj Biodiversity, existing protected areas are often found in less crucial places, such high mountains, rather than in the core ecosystems where leopards are most threatened.

Borneo Forests' Importance and Conservation Strategies

• Essential for combating climate change due to carbon storage.
• Forest destruction threatens leopard habitats and reduces carbon storage.
• Study explores proactive and expedient protection strategies for Sunda clouded leopards.
• Predictive models used to explore future scenarios considering forest loss and leopard population changes.

STUDIES ON LEOPARD HABITAT IDENTIFICATION

• Applied resistant kernel technique for habitat delineation.
• Used MARXAN software to evaluate conservation plans
• A 53% increase in leopard habitat, saving up to 82 million tonnes of carbon(emissions) by improving protection
• Highlighted the need for changing land-use practices to forest conservation.

Policy options for conserving Borneo forests

• Develop REDD+ programmes for incentive payments.
• Enhance deforestation legislation.
• Work with governments, conservationists and communities
• Conservation of wildlife and forests for sustainability.

Sunda Clouded Leopard Overview

• Native to Borneo and Sumatra.
• Identified by darker coat and larger size.
• Excellent climber, often hunting in trees.
• Mainly solitary, active at night.
• Diet includes deer, birds, and monkeys.
• Can leap up to six times their body length.
• Vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching.
• Genetic studies suggest possible two separate species.