Clouded Leopard and Small Felid Conservation Summit

In our effort to advance the cause of clouded leopard conservation, Clouded Leopard Project will be partnering with the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, and Smithonsian's National Zoo to organize the first-ever Clouded Leopard and Small Felid Conservation Summit in Bangkok, Thailand in February 2009. The summit will be facilitated by the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and take place at Kasetsart University.

This meeting is intended to serve as a first step toward a long-term commitment to developing a holistic conservation strategy for clouded leopards and other species of wild cats in Southeast Asia. This effort will bring together government agency employees, field researchers, wildlife trade experts, educators, and NGO staff currently working on clouded leopard and small felid research and conservation issues in Southeast Asia.

Among the summit's goals are: to develop a collaborative communication network among stakeholders; compile current data to develop an updated range map for clouded leopards and small felids in Southeast Asia; create action steps and funding priorities to begin the development of a long-term clouded leopard and small felid conservation plan.

In order to ensure strong representation and participation of experts from range countries, we are seeking funding to help defray their travel expenses. We welcome any support directed to this important cause. Please contact us for more information if you'd like to help.