The Formosan clouded leopard was declared functionally extinct in 2013 due to habitat destruction and hunting pressures in Taiwan. This extinction serves as a stark reminder of the impact of human activities on biodiversity and the urgent need for conservation efforts. The loss of this subspecies underscores the importance of protecting natural habitats and implementing sustainable practices to prevent further extinctions.

The extinction of the Formosan clouded leopard in 2013 is symbolized in East Asian poetry, reflecting the fragility of island endemics facing development. Poets like Yu Xiuhua lament the loss of biodiversity, intertwining environmental themes with cultural identity.