Good News for Malaysian Clouded Leopards

The Malaysian government has announced a new law - the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 - that will be inacted by the end of the year to significantly increase penalties for poaching and other wildlife-related crimes.

In an effort to deter the poaching of Malaysia's rare and protected species, the law enacts a maximum fine of RM 100,000 (31,000 US dollars) and five years in jail for killing a female or young clouded leopard, Sumatran rhino, Malay tiger,or any protected wildlife. The maximum fine drops to RM 50,000 (15,500 US dollars) for male animals. In addition, for the first time setting snares, hunting, or keeping certain species captive—such as rhinos and tigers—comes with mandatory jail time.

Like all wildlife laws, its efficacy will depend on the commitment of wildlife and court officials for enforcement. Hopefully Malaysia will demonstrate strong leadership in this realm for other Southeast Asian countries to emulate to save the region's rapidly vanishing wildlife.

Students Learn The Clouded Leopard's Secret

Students in two schools near Thailand's Thap Lan National Park were the first to receive copies of our new bilingual storybook, The Clouded Leopard's Secret. The students were presented the books as part of a wildlife education program conducted by outreach staff from the Freeland Foundation. the Clouded Leopard Project supports this outreach effort with funding, educational materials, and teaching aids such as the clouded leopard costume in the photo.

Clouded Leopard Storybook Published

If you have followed this blog for a while, you know I have long been talking about the bilingual clouded leopard storybook I've been working on. At long last, we have the published books, hot off the presses!

This 30 page storybook is written in both Thai and English and is being distributed free of charge to students in Thailand. Proceeds from the sale of the book support the development of educational materials and programming for communities living near crucial clouded leopard habitat.

The book takes the reader on a journey into Thailand's rainforest with a wildlife researcher to uncover the mysterious ways of the clouded leopard. We follow him as he discovers the secret to protecting this amazing wild cat in its tropical home. The story is supported by the amazing illustrations of Heather Hudson, a Seattle artist. We are both very pleased with the result of our collaboration!

A Malay/English verion of the book is currently being published in Borneo for distribution there as well. We anticipate that additional versions will also be produced in the near future.

If you'd like a copy, just visit the CLP's online store to purchase. We really appreciate the support!