Our failure to look after our planet and the rise in poaching has led to an alarming number of animals threatened with extinction.
Earlier this year, the United Nations released a report warning that one million species are at risk of extinction because of humans.
Some species of elephant, rhinos, tigers and giraffe have made the list and in 2013 a stunning species of leopard was declared extinct.
But in Taiwan a story has emerged that has given hope to the role us humans can play in helping to conserve the world’s wildlife population.
Failed to record a single sighting
Alangyi Village rangers recently spotted what they believed to be a Formosan clouded leopard hunting goats on a cliff, according to Taiwan News.
This elusive feline had not been seen by humans since 1983 and between 2001 and 2013 a survey was carried out by a team of Taiwanese and American zoologists who failed to record a single sighting. It was declared officially extinct in 2013.
Actions to protect the area
Experts assumed the clouded leopards had retreated into the Yushan Range and Tawu Mountain after extensive logging. Today, the Tawu Mountain Nature Reserve is a protected area encompassing about 190 square miles.
Villagers had agreed to stop hunters entering the area as well as logging activities that could threaten the species in this area, according to Taiwan News.
Let’s hope this beautiful leopard is officially spotted again and taken off the extinct list soon.
Please share this good news with your friends and family.
