Clouded Leopard
Neofelis nebulosa
Named for the large cloud-like spots on its body, the clouded leopard is a medium-sized cat that sports a grayish or yellowish coat. The spots, which are generally dark brown with a black outline, provide excellent camouflage in the leopard’s forest habitat. Clouded leopards have long, strong tails and powerful, stout legs. They are also known to be one of the best climbers in the cat family.
Height 10-16 inches at shoulders
Length 2-3 feet (tail also measure at 2-3
feet)
Weight 35-50 lbs (males); females significantly smaller
Lifespan While little is known about their lifespan in the wild, clouded leopards have been known to live up to 17 years in captivity.
Diet
Staples Everything from birds to monkeys to wild pigs.
Population
The clouded leopard’s reclusive nature has made it hard to determine population size. However, there is evidence of declining populations and one of the four subspecies is thought to be extinct.
Range
Historically clouded leopards were found in much of Southeast Asia from Nepal to southern China. Today, four subspecies are found in the following regions: Nepal to Burma; southern China to eastern Burma; Sumatra, Borneo and Java; Taiwan (thought to be extinct in the wild). The Bornean clouded leopard has been identified as a new cat species.
Behavior
Clouded leopards live in forests at elevations of up to 8,000 feet and spend much of their lives in trees. Their bodies are well adapted to this arboreal lifestyle. While their strong tails help them to balance while perched on tree branches, their specially adapted ankle bones and large paws allow them to both climb while hanging upside down under branches and climb down trees head first! When a clouded leopard spots its prey on the forest floor, it leaps down on it from above.
The social behavior of clouded leopards is virtually unknown. They are, however, thought to be solitary animals. And though they are mostly nocturnal, evidence has shown them to be active during some periods of the day.
Reproduction
Mating Season Can occur during any month but in captivity
between December and March.
Gestation 85-93 days.
Litter size 1-5
cubs
At birth, kittens weigh five to six ounces, and do not open their
eyes until they are 12 days old. Clouded leopard kittens nurse until they are
five months old and do not develop adult coloration until they are six months
old.
Threats
Rapid habitat loss due to deforestation, illegal hunting for traditional Chinese medicines and demand for its beautiful pelt may be driving the decline of clouded leopard populations.
Legal Status/Protection
*Endangered Species Act, **CITES Appendix I
* The Endangered Species Act requires the U.S. federal government to identify species threatened with extinction, identify habitat they need to survive, and help protect both. In doing so, the Act works to ensure the basic health of our natural ecosystems and protect the legacy of conservation we leave to our children and grandchildren.
**Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international treaty with 172 member countries. Appendix I listed species cannot be traded commercially. Appendix II listed species can be traded commercially only if it does not harm their survival.
How You Can Help
- Help Clouded Leopards and other wildlife by adopting one today at our Wildlife Adoption Center.
- Take Action for Wildlife at our Wildlife Action Center.
