Potential Reintroduction of Clouded Leopard in Taiwan

October 29, 2024

The clouded leopard, a medium-sized wild cat, has been extirpated from Taiwan. Recent research indicates that the island is still highly suitable for reintroducing this species. Approximately 38% of Taiwan’s territory could serve as a potential habitat for the clouded leopard. Notably, 46% of this suitable habitat is currently under protection.

About the Clouded Leopard

The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is native to South and Southeast Asia. It faces numerous threats, including habitat loss, prey depletion, and poaching. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists it as ‘Vulnerable’.

Reasons for Extinction in Taiwan

The clouded leopard once thrived on the island, known historically as Formosa. Its extinction in Taiwan resulted from several factors:

Poaching: Illegal hunting for its pelts was rampant, especially during Japanese rule (1895-1945).
Habitat Destruction: Deforestation reduced its natural habitat.
Prey Elimination: The loss of its natural prey further contributed to its decline.

A camera-trap survey conducted from 1997 to 2012 found no evidence of clouded leopards in Taiwan, confirming their extirpation decades earlier.

Current Habitat Suitability

Despite the clouded leopard’s extinction, recent studies suggest that Taiwan’s mammal populations are recovering. Increased forest cover and a hunting ban established in the 1970s have contributed to this recovery. Researchers found that 38% of Taiwan’s landmass, particularly in its mountainous regions, is moderate to highly suitable for the clouded leopard.

Reintroduction Efforts

Plans to reintroduce the clouded leopard to Taiwan are underway. The Clouded Leopard Association of Taiwan leads the initiative, with support from international experts and conservation organisations. The goal is to restore the Formosan Clouded Leopard population.

Research Methodology

The latest study employed a multi-scale, multivariate habitat selection model. This model used presence-absence data from camera-trap surveys across the clouded leopard’s current range to predict suitable habitats in Taiwan.

Geographical and Ecological Overview

Taiwan, with an area of 36,000 square kilometres, is a rugged and mountainous island. It features diverse habitats, ranging from tropical forests to alpine grasslands. Over 60% of the island is classified as forest, with areas of continuous forest remaining in the upland interior.

Findings on Suitable Habitat

The researchers identified a large, continuous area of 13,854 square kilometres in Taiwan’s hilly and mountainous regions as suitable for the clouded leopard. This includes:

Moderately Suitable Habitat: 10,041 square kilometres.
Highly Suitable Habitat: 3,813 square kilometres.

The study concludes that Taiwan’s substantial habitat protection and low hunting pressure make it a viable location for the reintroduction of the clouded leopard.

« Previous Post Next Post »