Clouded Leopard

Clouded Leopard [1]
Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)[2]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Family:	Felidae
Subfamily:	Pantherinae
Genus:	Neofelis
Species:	N. nebulosa
Binomial name
Neofelis nebulosa (Griffith, 1821)
Range map
Synonyms
Felis macrocelis Felis marmota

The Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a medium-sized cat found in Southeast Asia. It has a tan or tawny coat, and is distinctively marked with large, irregularly-shaped, dark-edged ellipses which are said to be shaped like clouds. This unique appearance gave the mammal both its common and scientific species name (nebulosus is Latin for "cloudy"). The clouded leopard was confusing to scientists for a long time because of its appearance and skeleton. It seemed to be a cross between a big cat and a small cat. The scientific name of the genus, Neofelis, originates from neo, which means "new", and felis, which means "cat", so it literally means "new kind of cat."

Physical characteristics

A clouded leopard at the Feline Conservation Center, Rosamond, California

The average clouded leopard typically weighs between 15 and 23 kilograms (33 and 51 lb), and has a shoulder height of 25 to 40 centimetres (9.8 to 16 in).^[3] This medium sized cat has a large build and, proportionately, the longest canine teeth (2 in or 5 cm, about the same as a tiger's) of any living feline.^[4] These characteristics led early researchers to speculate that it preyed on large land-dwelling mammals.

The background color of clouded leopard fur ranges from yellow-brown to dark grey, with paler underparts. The sides and back of the animal are marked with numerous dark cloud-like blotches, which may be partly outlined in black. There are black spots on the head, underparts, and legs, and short black stripes on the neck; the backs of the ears are also black, and there are black rings on the tail. A few melanistic clouded leopards have been reported from Borneo, but this color phase is uncommon.^[5]

As might be expected from the fact some of its prey lives in trees, the clouded leopard is an excellent climber. Short, flexible legs, large paws, and sharp claws combine to make it very sure-footed in the canopy. The clouded leopard's tail can be as long as its body, further aiding in balance, giving it a squirrel-like agility similar to the margay of South America. Surprisingly, this arboreal creature can climb while hanging upside-down under branches, and descend tree trunks head-first.^[3] In captivity, the clouded leopard routinely hangs by its hind legs using its long tail for balance, and runs head-first down tree trunks. Little is known about its behavior in the wild, but it is assumed from this behavior that a favored hunting tactic is to drop on prey from the trees.

Subspecies

The clouded leopard, despite its name, is not closely related to the leopard. The clouded leopard is regarded as having three subspecies:

• Neofelis nebulosa macrosceloides: Nepal to Myanmar (Burma)
• Neofelis nebulosa nebulosa: Southern China to eastern Myanmar
• Neofelis nebulosa brachyura: Taiwan (extinct)

The Bornean clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi) is a separate species found on Sumatra, Borneo and the Batu Islands.^[6] Because of their distinct skull structure, the two species are considered sufficiently different to be the only members of their genus.

Distribution and habitat

The clouded leopard is found only in Southeast Asia, and ranges through southern China (at least as far north as Wuyi Shan), the eastern Himalayas, western Malaysia, Nepal, northeast India, Bangladesh, and Indochina.^[5] It is thought to be extinct in Taiwan. The last confirmed sighting of a clouded leopard in Taiwan was in 1989, when the skin from a small leopard was found in the Taroko area. This subspecies was characterized by its relatively much shorter tail.

The preferred habitat of clouded leopards is tropical and subtropical forests at altitudes up to about 2,000 metres (6,600 ft). They are sometimes found, however, in mangrove swamps and grassland. The clouded leopard lives in temperatures from 18-49 degrees Celsius (65 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit).

Behavior and diet

Because of the animal's reclusive nature, the behavior of the clouded leopard in the wild is little known. With no evidence for a pack or pride society like that of the lion, it is assumed that it is a generally solitary creature, and it appears to be primarily nocturnal. Clouded leopards are largely arboreal, hunting prey in the trees, and also using trees to rest during the day. However, they spend a significant proportion of their time on the ground, are sometimes inhabit environments without tall trees.^[5]

Clouded leopards have been observed to scent mark in captivity, for example by urine spraying and head-rubbing on prominent objects. Presumably such habits are used to mark their territory in the wild, although the size of their home ranges is unknown. Like other big cats, they do not appear able to purr, but they otherwise have a wide range of vocalisations, including mewing, hissing, growling, moaning, and snorting.^[5]

Though remarkably little is known about the natural history and behavioral habits of this species in the wild, it is now thought that its primary prey includes both arboreal and terrestrial mammals, particularly deer, supplemented by similarly sized prey such as monkeys, civets, birds, porcupines, and domestic livestock.^[5] Clouded leopards that are held in captivity also eat eggs and some vegetation.

Breeding

Face, close up

Females give birth to a litter of 2 to 4 cubs after a gestation period of about 85 to 93 days^[3]. Initially, the young are blind and helpless, much like the young of many other cats. Unlike adults, the kittens' spots are "solid"—completely dark rather than dark rings. The young can see within about 10 days of birth, are active within 5 weeks, and probably become independent at about 10 months of age. The clouded leopard reaches sexual maturity at two years of age, and females are able to bear one litter each year. Adults in captivity have lived as long as 17 years; in the wild, they have an average 11 year lifespan.

Captive breeding programs met with little success in their early stages, largely due to ignorance of courtship activity among these cats in the wild. Experience has taught keepers that introducing pairs of clouded leopards at a young age gives opportunities for the pair to bond and breed successfully. Introducing pairs as older adults may cause the animals such stress that the male may kill the female^[3]. Normally, the clouded leopard is not an aggressive animal, except to prey.

Modern breeding programs involve carefully regulated introductions between prospective mating pairs and take into account the requirements for enriched enclosures. Providing these animals with adequate space to permit climbing stimulates natural behaviour and minimizes stress. This, combined with a feeding program that fulfills the proper dietary requirements, has promoted more successful breeding in recent years. Cats born in captivity may one day supplement threatened populations in the wild.

Interaction with humans

Conservation and threats

A clouded leopard resting atop a tree trunk at the Toronto Zoo.

Because the clouded leopard's habits make it difficult to study, reliable estimates of its population do not exist. The World Conservation Union estimates that fewer than 10,000 individuals exist, and warns that the population is declining.^[2] Habitat loss due to widespread deforestation, demand for its pelt^[7] and hunting for use in Chinese medicinal preparations are thought to be causing populations of the clouded leopard to decline^[8]. Only six clouded leopards have ever been radio collared and their territorial movements monitored and recorded by scientists using radio telemetry. All of these cats were studied within Thailand. Almost all that is known of the clouded leopard today comes from studies of the cats in captivity. Apart from anecdotal accounts, very little is known of its natural history, ecology and behavior in the wild throughout its range.

The World Conservation Union, the organization that maintains the global Red List of endangered species, lists the clouded leopard as Vulnerable.^[2] In addition, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), lists the clouded leopard as an Appendix I species, meaning international trade in clouded leopards is banned. The United States also lists the clouded leopard under the Endangered Species Act, further prohibiting trade in the animals or any parts or products made from them in the United States. In the countries of its native range, hunting is prohibited; these bans, however, are poorly enforced.

Cultural influence

The Rukai people of Taiwan consider the clouded leopard to be their spiritual ancestor who led them to their homeland.^[8]

References

External links

• National Geographic page on the Clouded Leopard
• The Clouded Leopard Project
• Clouded Leopard Video
• Bornean Clouded Leopard