TURA, April 8 - An endangered clouded leopard was killed and its meat posted for sale on social media prompting animal rights activists to demand action against the culprits.
The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a wild cat found in the Himalayan foothills. Since 2008, it is listed as �vulnerable� with their number suspected to be fewer than 10,000, with a decreasing population trend, and no single population numbering more than 1,000 adults. The clouded leopard is the State animal of Meghalaya.
One Facebook user, Dodohm Chambukong, posted a photo on popular facebook page Olx Tura wherein he posted a photo of an endangered clouded leopard that was killed by them, seeking Rs 2,000 for the cat. The user later deleted his account though screenshots of the same were kept by activists who sent the same to the Wildlife and Forest departments. The matter was also notified to the West Garo Hills police.
�This is a condemnable act and the culprits need to be punished. The clouded leopard is an endangered animal and needs to be protected�, said Avinash Marak, a member of environmental NGO, CEPARD.
