Clouded Leopard | Endangered species, Southeast Asia, Facts

The Clouded Leopard is a big cat. It takes its name from the large cloud-like spot on its body. These clouds or spots are outlined in black with a yellow-brown or gray background.

Where does the Clouded Leopard live?

Leopards live in Southeast Asia in countries such as India, China, Thailand, Laos, Nepal and Vietnam. Their preferred habitat is tropical and subtropical evergreen forests.

How big are the Clouded Leopard?

A typical leopard weighs between 25 and 35 pounds and is about 35 inches long, not counting the tail which can be as long as the body. They have thick and heavy bodies for a cat and males are usually twice as large as females.

Leopards are excellent tree climbers and can spend a lot of time in trees in the wild. They have large legs and long, sharp claws that allow them to cling to tree branches and even hang upside down. They can also knock down trees using their sharp claws. They use their long tails for balance when climbing trees.

What do Clouded Leopard eat?

Scientists don’t know much about what clouded leopards eat in the wild, but they can eat a variety of animals such as deer, birds, monkeys, porcupines, pigs, and goats. Since they are good climbers, they probably hide in trees by jumping on their prey from above. They have fangs that are very long for their size, helping them to take down large prey with a single bite.

Are Clouded Leopard endangered?

Yes, the clouded leopard are currently listed as “vulnerable”. This is because much of their forest habitat is being destroyed by deforestation. They are also poached by poachers, although they are protected by local laws. Because they are solitary creatures and are hard to find in the wild, scientists aren’t sure how many of them are still alive today, but their numbers are certainly dwindling.

Interesting Facts about the Clouded Leopard

Its scientific name, nebulosa, means cloud in Latin.

They become independent about 10 months after birth.