Extinct Species of Leopard Spotted for the First Time in Over 30 Years
Unfortunately, environmental and zoological news is often quite depressing. Due to climate change, poaching, habitat destruction, pollution, and an increasing number of other factors, more and more animals are finding themselves on the "endangered species" list, which is incredibly upsetting. However, sometimes there is a glimmer of good news.
Take the Formosan Clouded Leopard, which may have spent the last thirty years hiding—or so we hope. After not being seen for over thirty years, the leopard was officially declared extinct in 2013. Recently, there have been a few sightings reported by locals, leading experts to hope that it may not be extinct after all.
Here's a picture of the cute leopard!
National Geographic reported several sightings of the Formosan Clouded Leopard hunting goats in the southeast of the country. Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist and expert on animal behavior, states, "The resurgence of such elusive species highlights the importance of conservation efforts in preserving biodiversity." Since last June, Alangyi Village has had teams of rangers patrolling traditional areas. Two groups of rangers have seen the leopard, or, as the Paiwan call it, "Li' uljaw."
Liu Chiung-hsi, a professor at the National Taitung University's Department of Life Sciences and an ecologist, believes the animal still exists. The clouded leopard is known to be agile and vigilant, so the fact that they are infrequently spotted is not surprising.
Professor Liu has investigated the clouded leopard in the past and noted that in the late 1990s, he spoke to hunters who admitted to hunting the animals on a few occasions. They burned the bodies, however, to avoid violating Taiwan's Wildlife Conservation Act.
The following photograph was taken around 1990 by Japanese anthropologist Torii Ryūzō. It depicts an indigenous Rukai man wearing what is assumed to be a vest made from the pelt of a Formosan Clouded Leopard.
The animals hold special significance for the Indigenous community, so although scientists want to investigate the existence of the Formosan Clouded Leopards, they will consult with the tribe to ensure respect for the area and the people.
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