Environment

Rare Leopard Cub Found in Bangladesh

by SamirJ | July 22, 2009 at 10:10 am

238 views | 66 Recommendations | 7 comments

The term "Endangered Species" is now no longer alien to most people in the world. Many a species of animals and plants are in that list. It may be growing day by day without us being aware of it.

We have seen many species vanish from the face of the earth not only because of natural reasons but mostly because of hunting that we humans carry out.

Their habitat has been reduced from vast and endless forests with no boundaries, to small fenced and highly guarded sanctuaries. Many have become far few in number and we stand the risk to never see them again unless we step up our efforts to save them.

A rare leopard cub "The Clouded Leopard" was captured by locals in Bangladesh which can be put in the critically endangered species. This animal was considered to be extinct by many.

A critically endangered clouded leopard cub has been captured by tribespeople in a remote area of Bangladesh, a leading zoologist has told the BBC.

Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh (WTB) Chief Executive Mohammed Anwarul Islam said that the find was "exciting and hugely significant".

Many conservationists believed that clouded leopards were extinct in Bangladesh.

The WTB is now trying to secure the cub's release.

Professor Islam said that the cub was found by indigenous villagers near the town of Rangamati in the south-eastern Chittagong Hill Tracts in June.

"Obviously our long term aim is for it to be released into the jungle, but we have to be careful not to push our case too strongly," he said.

"The villagers are understandably concerned that if they stop feeding it, it may die in the jungle without its mother."

Professor Islam said that the last time a clouded leopard had been spotted in Bangladesh was in 1992.

He said that the cat was considered extinct in the country because of habitat loss.

Local people reportedly saw the cub's mother and one of its siblings as they were feeding on a monkey.

They chased the leopard family away, but captured one of the cubs.

Clouded leopards used to live in forests around Mymensingh, Sylhet, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

They are solitary, nocturnal and arboreal cats. They are also one of the least studied leopards, principally because of their secretive and timid nature.

The species is considered to be vulnerable across Asia and is included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Lets hope that the young one survives and we do not lose this entire species.

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Amy Judd

at 12:29 on July 22nd, 2009

They are beautiful animals - I hope they do not become extinct, they're so majestic.

SamirJ

at 02:42 on July 23rd, 2009

Yeah, very rightly said Amy. I just cant figure out why people kill them. Animal life value has reached its nadir.

Lois Zurita

at 13:50 on July 22nd, 2009

Let's hope that this capture and education lead to people appreciating this beautiful species!

In addition, maybe this little one came out of the woodworks to tell us all something? We need to look at our behavior and see how destructive it is being. We do share the world with God's creatures and we need to value that, but respecting it, not abusing it for self centered capitalistic ventures~

158

at 14:35 on July 22nd, 2009

They are beautiful. Steps need to be done to save them.

patgarcia

at 16:04 on July 22nd, 2009

I hope they can be saved and not be extinct

Paschen

at 17:38 on July 22nd, 2009

We may have to restrict human activity and rights as well as force a global population control onto Humans so the rest of our Earth species may not become extinct.