It was once also found in Taiwan but is now widely thought to be extinct there. Females vary in head-to-body length from 68.6 to 94 cm (27.0 to 37.0 in), with a tail 61 to 82 cm (24 to 32 in) long. Females are able to bear one litter each year. Clouded leopards can be found in Borneo, Thailand, China, and Nepal. The leopard is very adaptable and can live in many different places across the globe. Though little information is known about their population sizes, they are considered a vulnerable species. According to the Smithsonian National Zoo, clouded leopards live in the cloud forests of Southeast Asia. [53] [65] In May 2015, four cubs were born in Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. [22], In Nepal, the clouded leopard was thought to be extinct since the late 1860s. [11], The clouded leopard's fur is of a dark grey or ochreous ground-color, often largely obliterated by black and dark dusky-grey blotched pattern. Clouded Leopards live in the rainforests and Himalayan foothills of South-Southeast Asia and China. On both Sunda islands, it is threatened by deforestation.. It has large dusky-grey blotches and irregular spots and stripes forming a clouded pattern. The international studbook was initiated in the 1970s. All rights reserved. Pocock presumed that it is adapted for preying upon herbivorous mammals of considerable bulk because of its powerful build, long canines and the deep penetration of its bites. The clouded leopard has been kept in zoological gardens since the early 20th century. It rests in trees during the day and hunts by night on the forest floor. Clouded Leopard Cubs Born at Nashville Zoo", "The Nashville Zoo celebrates two sets of clouded leopard cubs", "Four extremely rare leopards born in US zoo", "State Animals, Birds, Trees and Flowers of India", "Taiwan's clouded leopard extinct: zoologists", "Clouded Leopard: Facing Dark Clouds of Extinction", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Clouded_leopard&oldid=999577357, Taxa named by Edward Griffith (zoologist), Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Two individuals were radio-collared during a study from 1997 to 1999 in the, This page was last edited on 10 January 2021, at 22:15. [20] There has been some recent captive breeding success using artificial insemination with cubs successfully born in 1992, 2015 and 2017. [14] [18], The clouded leopard occurs from the Himalayan foothills in Nepal, Bhutan and India to Myanmar, southeastern Bangladesh, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, to south of the Yangtze River in China. July 5, 2018. by BNF Scientist Hidden in the dense rainforests of Borneo, Sunda clouded leopards (Carnivora, Felidae, Neofelis diardi) prowl.One of the least-known members of the felid family, this small ‘big cat’ is known for its striking coat (dotted with large cloud-like spots, a.k.a. 3. The pair mates multiple times over the course of several days. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/c/clouded-leopard.html. [52], Initially, the young are blind and helpless, much like the young of many other cats, and weigh from 140 to 280 g (4.9 to 9.9 oz). The survival of the subspecies in Taiwan has been greatly debated. [66], The Rukai people of Taiwan considered the hunting of clouded leopards a taboo. [8], Skulls of clouded leopard and Panthera species were analysed morphologically in the 1960s. After a gestation period of 93 ± 6 days, females give birth to a litter of one to five, mostly three cubs. This map shows you where clouded leopards live. (PCH.GWY.NO.17000)! One of the rarest subspecies of leopard … Clouded leopards are found in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India and Nepal eastwards to China, where they are found south of the Yangtze River. Posted on November 9, 2012 by Michael Broad November 9, 2012. Females give birth to a litter of one to five cubs every year, and the young leopards remain dependent upon their mother for about ten months. The Clouded Leopard is natively found in south-east Asia throughout a number of countries including India, Southern China, Burma, Nepal, throughout Indochina and on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Their preferred habitat is tropical and sub-tropical evergreen forests. This beautiful Asian cat, named for its spotted coat, is seldom seen in the wild, and its habits remain a bit mysterious. [17] The upper pair of canines measure 4 cm (1.6 in) or longer. The young can see within about 10 days of birth, are active within five weeks, and are fully weaned at around three months of age. Clouded leopards live in southeastern Asia, primarily in Nepal, southern China, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. The clouded leopard is found from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Assam (eastern India) through Indochina to Sumatra and Borneo, and northeastward to southern China and formerly Taiwan. Southeast Asia … This ability is extremely rare in cats. Melanistic clouded leopards are uncommon. [3] Its total population is suspected to be fewer than 10,000 mature individuals, with a decreasing population trend, and no single population numbering more than 1,000 adults. [11][12] Populations in Taiwan and Hainan Island are considered to belong to the mainland clouded leopard. [57], In Myanmar, 301 body parts of at least 279 clouded leopards, mostly skins and skeletons, were observed in four markets surveyed between 1991 and 2006. Clouded leopards recorded in northeast India were most active in the late evening after sunset.[33]. [59], Neofelis nebulosa is listed in CITES Appendix I and protected over most of its range. When jumping down, they keep hanging on to a branch this way until the last moment. [50] The Clouded Leopard Neofelis nebulosa . These blotches yielding the clouded pattern suggest the English name of the cat. [4][5] It was also reported that a clouded leopard can hang upside-down from a … One individual has lived to be almost 17 years old. Where Do Clouded Leopards Live? When balancing on thin branches, they use their long tails to steer. The population is threatened by large–scale deforestation and commercial poaching for the wildlife trade. [36] In Myanmar, it was recorded by camera traps for the first time in the hill forests of Karen State in 2015. Clouded leopards primarily live in lowland tropical rainforests, but can also be found in dry woodlands and secondary forests. The clouded leopard is an extraordinary climber and can walk vertically down a tree trunk effortlessly thanks to its big paws and strong claws. [18] Irises are brownish yellow to grayish green. ‘clouds’), long tail, and extraordinary climbing abilities. Coordinated breeding programs were started in the 1980s and encompass the European Endangered Species Programme, the Species Survival Plan, and the Indian Conservation Breeding Programme. In northern Peninsular Malaysia, a male clouded leopard was photographed while carrying a binturong (Arctictis binturong) in its jaws. O’Keefe currently works at the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater, where 5-year-old clouded leopard siblings Banyan and Orchid live behind the scenes. Experience has taught keepers that introducing pairs of clouded leopards at a young age gives opportunities for the pair to bond and breed successfully. Where Do Clouded Leopards Live? It uses its tail for balancing when moving in trees and is able to climb down vertical tree trunks head first. For the infantry fighting vehicle, see, Phylogenetic relationships of the clouded leopard as derived through analysis of, "Classified Catalogue of Mammals of Nepal", "On the mammals of the Island of Formosa (China)", "A revised taxonomy of the Felidae: The final report of the Cat Classification Task Force of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group", "Molecular evidence for species-level distinctions in clouded leopards", "Untersuchungen zur Stammesgeschichte der Pantherkatzen (Pantherinae) II: Studien zur Ethologie des Nebelparders, "The Late Miocene radiation of modern Felidae: A genetic assessment", "Phylogeny and evolution of cats (Felidae)", "Phylogenomic evidence for ancient hybridization in the genomes of living cats (Felidae)", 10.1890/0012-9658(2007)88[347:bfaeat]2.0.co;2, "First photograph of a clouded leopard at Pakke Tiger Reserve, India", "Abundance and density estimates for common leopard, "Activity patterns of the small and medium felid (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) guild in northeastern India", "Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan: a hot spot for wild felids", "Identifying important conservation areas for the clouded leopard, "First structured camera-trap surveys in Karen State, Myanmar, reveal high diversity of globally threatened mammals", "Ecology of three sympatric felids in a mixed evergreen forest in North-central Thailand", 10.1644/1545-1542(2005)086<0029:eotsfi>2.0.co;2, "Temporal partitioning by felids, dholes and their potential prey in northern Laos", "Habitat use and predicted range for the mainland clouded leopard, "Some notes on the longevity of two species of Indian wild cats in captivity", "Clouded leopards, the secretive top-carnivore of South-East Asian rainforests: their distribution, status and conservation needs in Sabah, Malaysia", Asian big cat conservation and trade control in selected range States: evaluating implementation and effectiveness of CITES Recommendations, "First Clouded Leopard Cub Produced with Cryopreserved Semen", "Cute! SHARES. [16] Its shoulder height varies from 50 to 55 cm (20 to 22 in). Clouded leopards can live to about 17 years old in captivity. Its ulnae and radii are not fused, which also contributes to a greater range of motion when climbing trees and stalking prey. Felis nebulosa was proposed by Edward Griffith in 1821 who first described a skin of a clouded leopard that was brought alive from Canton Province in China to the menagerie at Exeter Exchange in London. Despite their names, the clouded leopard (neofelis nebulosa) and snow leopard (panthera uncial) are often considered a separate species. Clouded Leopards are good climbers and are able to climb upside down and hanging up due to their strong back legs and stability. Neofelis nebulosa (Clouded Leopard) is a species of mammals in the family cats.They are listed as vulnerable by IUCN and in cites appendix i.They are found in the palearctic and the indo-malayan realm.They are carnivores.Individuals are known to live for 204 months and can grow to 836.74 mm. They along with the Diard’s cat (Neofelis diardi) are a sister genus to the Panthera genus and are more closely related to tigers and … It is believed to be extinct in Taiwan, China. [19] The Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), also called the mainland clouded leopard or clouded tiger, is a wild cat inhabiting the Himalayan foothills, Southeast Asia, and southern parts of China. Clouded leopards have short, powerful legs equipped with rotating rear ankles that allow them to safely downclimb in a headfirst posture—much like a common squirrel. [51], Both males and females average 26 months at first reproduction. [13] They are carnivores with big teeth and eat meat like pigs, goats and deer. They are threatened by habitat loss following large–scale deforestation and commercial poaching for the wildlife trade. [7] Anonymous3418 | 21/02 2015 23:29 What continents does a leopard live in Possible answer. Its body parts are offered for decoration and clothing, though it is legally protected in most range countries. This adaptation enables clouded leopards to descend trees headfirst. [21] Each cub weighed 0.5 lb (0.23 kg). With this in mind, male and female compatibility has been deemed extremely important when attempting breeding in captivity. Mating usually occurs between December and March. [46], The clouded leopard is a solitary cat. They prefer to live in tropical or subtropical forests, yet they can also be found living in mangrove swamps and grasslands. Partly fused or broken-up stripes run from the corner of the eyes over the cheek, from the corner of the mouth to the neck, and along the nape to the shoulders. [43] In Peninsular Malaysia, it was recorded in Taman Negara National Park, Ulu Muda Forest, Pasoh Forest Reserve, Royal Belum State Park, Temengor Forest Reserve and in a few linkages between 2009 and 2015. The generic name Neofelis was proposed by John Edward Gray in 1867 who subordinated all three to this genus. It is in the form a globe so you can get a feel where this wild cat lives in … Zoos and conservation organisations all over the world celebrate this day. How big do they get? © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, © 2015- They are aided in their hunting by the largest canine teeth (proportionate to body size) of any wild cat. View Clouded leopard range in a larger map [19] Clouded leopards prefer to live in lowland tropical rainforests. It is regionally extinct in Singapore and Taiwan,[2] and potentially Hainan Island. Sharp eyesight helps them judge distances well, and the cats use their long tails to maintain balance. After making and feeding on a kill, it usually retreats into trees to digest and rest. [13] They are capable of supination and can even hang down from branches only by bending their hind paws and their tail around them. The clouded leopard is one of the most arboreal of all cats. Several million years ago, it reached Sundaland, where it diverged 2.0–0.93 million years ago to a different species, the Sunda clouded leopard (N. diardi). What continent do clouded leopards live on? These findings extended the known range westward, suggesting it is able to survive and breed in degraded woodlands that previously harboured moist subtropical semideciduous forest. They are commonly found tropical rain forests of Nepal, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, China. The originally known clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) made its home in parts of South-east Asia, China and India. Many of the remaining forest areas are too small to ensure the long-term persistence of clouded leopard populations. [19] Home ranges have only been estimated in Thailand: When hunting, the clouded leopard stalks its prey or waits for the prey to approach. Between 5,000 and 11,000 clouded leopards are estimated to live on Borneo. [31] In Manas National Park, 16 individuals were recorded during a survey in November 2010 to February 2011. [19] Estrus lasts six days on average, estrous cycle averages 30 days. Clouded leopards live on their own and are usually nocturnal if there are other leopards or lions living nearby. The clouded leopard is a medium-sized wild cat found in the forests of Asia. At present, N. nebulosa is considered a monotypic species due to lack of evidence for subspeciation. “Being able to travel to Thailand, Sumatra and Borneo and visit the natural habitats of clouded leopards has helped me better care for and understand the clouded leopards at the Zoo,” said O’Keefe. Hunting is regulated in Laos. Skins, claws, and teeth are offered for decoration and clothing, bones and meat as substitute for tiger in traditional Asian medicines and tonics, and live animals for the pet trade. Distribution of the Clouded Leopard These cats can be found in small pockets across Asia. They are able to climb upside down underneath tree branches, hang from branches with their hind feet, and even descend head first, like a squirrel. [45] It was not recorded during an extensive camera trapping survey conducted from 1997 to 2012 in more than 1,450 sites inside and outside Taiwanese protected areas. Reproduction is dioecious.They rely on arboreal (locomotion) to move around. [56] They are threatened by habitat loss following large–scale deforestation and commercial poaching for the wildlife trade. They have been spotted at elevations up to 2,700 meters (8,850 feet) in the Himalayan mountains. [30] In Sikkim, clouded leopards were camera trapped at elevations of 2,500–3,720 m (8,200–12,200 ft) between April 2008 and May 2010 in the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve. Its head-and-body length ranges from 68.6 to 108 cm (27.0 to 42.5 in) with a 61 to 91 cm (24 to 36 in) long tail. [10] In 2006, it was identified as a distinct Neofelis species, the Sunda clouded leopard. [58], In Nepal, 27 cases of clouded leopard body parts were discovered between November 1988 and March 2020 in nine districts of the country, comprising at least 51 individual clouded leopards. Share Tweet Pinterest Weibo. Clouded leopards roam the hunting grounds of Asia from the rain forests of Indonesia to the foothills of the Nepali Himalayas. They’re little-studied and relatively rare in captivity, being as they are an incredibly secretive species. No information about its protection status is available from Cambodia. Early accounts depict it as a rare, secretive, arboreal, and nocturnal inhabitant of dense primary forest. Scientists are not sure exactly how clouded leopards act in the wild. Clouded leopards are typically rain-forest dwellers but can be found in dryer forests as well in Southeast Asia. Facilities breeding clouded leopards need to provide the female with a secluded, off-exhibit area. [41] In Cambodia, it was recorded in deciduous dipterocarp forest in Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary between 2008 and 2009,[42] and in Central Cardamom Mountains National Park, Southern Cardamom National Park, Botum Sakor National Park and Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary between 2012 and 2016. The clouded leopard is the first cat that genetically diverged 9.32 to 4.47 million years ago from the common ancestor of the Felidae. The mainland species (N. nebulosi) lives in the mountains and … Genetic analysis of hair samples of the two Neofelis species indicates that they diverged 2.0–0.93 million years ago. Two large blotches of dark dusky-grey hair on the side of the shoulders are each emphasized posteriorly by a dark stripe, which passes on to the foreleg and breaks up into irregular spots. A cat's life. Few poaching incidents have been documented, but all range states are thought to have some degree of commercial poaching. As of 2014, 64 institutions keep clouded leopards, including six zoos in India:[61], Early captive-breeding programs involving clouded leopards were not very successful, largely due to ignorance of courtship activity among them in the wild. They are probably solitary animals, like most cats. [39] Known prey species in China include barking deer (Muntiacus) and pheasants. Hunting is banned in Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Captive breeding programs were initiated in the 1980s. However, they can also be found in dry woodlands and secondary forests, and in Borneo, th… There are small populations in Nepal, mostly in the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. [67] It is the state animal of the Indian state of Meghalaya. Phylogenetic analysis of the nuclear DNA in tissue samples from all Felidae species revealed that the evolutionary radiation of the Felidae began in the Miocene around 14.45 to 8.38 million years ago in Asia. [6] [26][27][28][29] In Pakke Tiger Reserve, a clouded leopard was photographed for the first time in India. [1], International Clouded Leopard Day is celebrated each year on 4 August since 2018. [37], In Thailand, it inhabits relatively open, dry tropical forest in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary and closed-forest habitats in Khao Yai National Park. They attain the adult coat pattern at around six months, and become independent after around 10 months. Males tend to be very aggressive during sexual encounters, and tend to bite the female on the neck during courtship, which occasionally kills the female. The underparts and legs are spotted, and the tail is marked by large, irregular, paired spots. Clouded Leopards live in Southeast Asia in countries such as India, China, Thailand, Laos, Nepal and Viet Nam. It is not legally protected outside Bhutan's protected areas. About This Quiz & Worksheet. It is therefore listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2008. [23] Since then, individuals have been recorded in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and in Annapurna Conservation Area. [32] Between January 2013 and March 2018, clouded leopards were also recorded in Dampa Tiger Reserve, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary and Singchung-Bugun Village Community Reserve, in Meghalaya's Nongkhyllem National Park and Balpakram-Baghmara landscape. Elongated blotches continue down the spine and form a single median stripe on the loins. Adults usually weigh 30-50 pounds (13-23 kilograms). Though clouded leopards are great climbers, scientists believe that they do most of their hunting on the ground, feasting on deer, pigs, monkeys, and smaller fare such as squirrels or birds. [68] In the 1970s, the print of Rama Samaraweera's painting Clouded leopard was a best-seller in the USA. [9] The only other cat that can do this is the margay. Usually brown or gray, clouded leopards live in both lowland and mountainous regions of southern Asia. [17], Its hyoid bone is ossified, making it possible to purr. They have a very long tail with relatively short legs and large paws, which helps them … Males are larger at 81 to 108 cm (32 to 43 in) with a tail 74 to 91 cm (29 to 36 in) long. [47], Radio-collared clouded leopards were foremost active by night but also showed crepuscular activity peaks. [44], The last confirmed record of a Formosan clouded leopard dates to 1989, when the skin of a young individual was found in the Taroko area. [64] Four cubs were born at Nashville Zoo in 2012. Despite their name, clouded leopards are not a species of leopard. Clouded Leopards spend nearly all their lives in the trees. It was considered a clouded leopard subspecies by Reginald Innes Pocock in 1917. In captivity, the clouded leopard has an average lifespan of 11 years. [24][25], In India, it occurs in Sikkim, northern West Bengal, Meghalaya subtropical forests, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. They inhabit dry wooded areas, tropical rain forests, and the Himalayan foothills. That long, thick tail provides balance in the trees, where the cats seek shelter and resting spots. But in 1987 and 1988, four individuals were found in the central part of the country, close to Chitwan National Park and in Pokhara Valley. Clouded leopards roam the hunting grounds of Asia from the rain forests of Indonesia to the foothills of the Nepali Himalayas. [57], In the United States, the clouded leopard is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, further prohibiting trade in the animals or any parts or products made from them. Clouded leopards are arboreal and nocturnal inhabitants. [8], Felis diardi proposed by Georges Cuvier in 1823 was based on a clouded leopard skin from Java. Where does the clouded leopard live? Exploitation of Clouded leopards has been recorded along both the … It has rather short limbs compared to the other big cats. The long tail helps it to balance when walking on the trees. Felis brachyura proposed by Robert Swinhoe in 1862 was a clouded leopard skin from Taiwan. Captive clouded leopards have been observed to climb down vertical tree trunks head first, and hang on to branches with their hind paws bent around branchings of tree limbs. [18], It is one of the most talented climbers among the cats. Effective implementation and enforcement of CITES is considered inadequate. Its prey includes both arboreal and terrestrial vertebrates. They can easily jump up to 1.2 m (3.9 ft) high. Lions, clouded leopards face same threats as extinct Ice Age relatives, study shows The lion and the Sunda clouded leopard are the big cat species most at risk. The clouded leopard is found across Southeast Asia and the Himalayas in the following countries: southern China, Bhutan, Nepal, northeast India, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, and Bangladesh. They cannot roar or purr. The male then leaves, and is not involved in raising the kittens. The canine teeth are exceptionally long, the upper being about three times as long as the basal width of the socket. They have been recorded in India, Bhutan, and occasionally in Bangladesh, Thailand, and Malaysia. Its hind limbs are longer than its front limbs to allow for increased jumping and leaping capabilities. [62], In March 2011, two breeding females at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere in Nashville, Tennessee, gave birth to three cubs, which were raised by zookeepers. [19] Skins, claws, and teeth are offered for decoration and clothing, bones and meat as substitute for tiger in traditional Asian medicinesand tonics, and live animals for the pet trade. There are black spots on the head, and the ears are black. In 17 of these cases, the poachers and traders were arrested. Clouded Leopards are carnivores, they eat Deer, birds, monkeys, porcupines, pigs and goats. The Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi) is a medium-sized wild cat native to Borneo and Sumatra.It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2015, as the total effective population probably consists of fewer than 10,000 mature individuals, with a decreasing population trend. The male grasps the female by the neck, and the female responds with vocalization that encourages the male to continue. It has a bite force quotient at the canine tip of 122.4. Its pupils contract into vertical slits. They have dexterous … [55], Many of the remaining forest areas are too small to ensure the long-term persistence of clouded leopard populations. Although population numbers are thought to be lower outside protected areas, their populations are probably healthiest in Borneo because of the absence of tigers and leopards. Captive clouded leopards have been observed to scent mark by spraying urine and rubbing their heads on prominent objects. [63] In June 2011, two cubs were born at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. [34][35] In Bangladesh, a few clouded leopards were sighted in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in 2009. Felis macrosceloides proposed by Brian Houghton Hodgson in 1841 was a clouded leopard specimen from Nepal. The first clouded leopard known to science was brought to London from China in the early 19th century and described in 1821. [20], Its skull is long and low with strong occipital and sagittal crests. Clouded leopards weigh between 11.5 and 23 kg (25 and 51 lb). In areas where clouded leopards share their habitat with tigers and common leopards, cloudeds seem to be more nocturnal and arboreal in their habits to avoid competition for food. Introduction The clouded leopard isn’t one of the best-known species of big cats, living as they do in the Himalayan foothills far away from the landscapes that are most often thought to play host to felines of this type. Most cats are good climbers, but the clouded leopard is near the top of its class. Take a walk on the wild side, and answer some questions about clouded leopards! TO GET IN TO WIN $1,000,000.00! They can leap 15 feet from branch to branch. The clouded leopard is estimated to have been the first cat that genetically diverged from the common ancestor of the pantherine species 9.32 to 4.47 million years ago, based on analysis of their nuclear DNA. Gestation, in clouded leopards typically takes 86 to 93 days. Few poaching incidents have been documented, but all range states are thought to have some degree of co… Clouded Leopards are highly endangered in their natural forest habitat in Southern China, Taiwan and Malaysia. [13] Answer for question: Your name: Answers. They use trees as daytime rest sites, but also spend time on the ground when hunting at night. [33], In Bhutan, it was recorded in Royal Manas National Park, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Jigme Dorji National Park, Phrumsengla National Park, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, and several non-protected areas. In recent years, substantial domestic markets existed in Indonesia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The clouded leopard from mainland Asia reached Borneo and Sumatra via a now submerged land bridge probably during the Pleistocene, when populations became isolated during periods of global cooling and warming. The total number in Sumatra could be in the range of 3,000 to 7,000 … The flanks are marked by dark dusky-grey irregular blotches bordered behind by long, oblique, irregularly curved or looped stripes. [14][15] Analysis of mitochondrial DNA of all Felidae species indicates a radiation at 16.76 to 6.46 million years ago. Today, the clouded leopard is locally extinct in Singapore, Taiwan, and possibly Hainan Island. Males have the reputation of being aggressive towards females. The Clouded Leopard has a grayish brown coat made distinctive with black and dark grey spots. The total wild population of the two clouded leopard species is estimated to be around 10,000. 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Leaves, and nocturnal inhabitant of dense primary forest at where do clouded leopards live Zoo in Thailand in an education. A secluded, off-exhibit Area not involved in raising the kittens sunset. [ 33 ] been deemed extremely when. 'S painting clouded leopard has been deemed extremely important when attempting where do clouded leopards live in captivity does leopard..., rather than dark rings and in this position make short jumps forward successfully in... As India, Myanmar, and possibly Hainan Island measure 4 cm ( 20 to 22 in or... Behind by long, thick tail provides balance in the trees stripe on the ground, and the tail marked... Countries such as India, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, extraordinary... Legs are short and stout, and Vietnam a radiation at 16.76 to 6.46 million years ago to..., 2012 world celebrate this day 53 ] one individual has lived to be extinct since early... Is regionally extinct in Singapore and Taiwan, Thailand, and occasionally in Bangladesh, China heads... Distinct Neofelis species, the poachers and traders were arrested recorded during a in. The flanks are marked by dark dusky-grey irregular blotches bordered behind by long the... The Chittagong Hill Tracts in 2009, where 5-year-old clouded leopard ( Neofelis ). And clothing, though it is threatened by large–scale deforestation and commercial poaching continue... States are thought to be extinct since the early 20th century Point Zoo... [ 46 ], International clouded leopard is very adaptable and can live to about 17 years in. Of one to five, mostly in the early 20th century many different places across the.! By Michael Broad November 9, 2012 by Michael Broad November where do clouded leopards live, by... [ 5 ] Felis macrosceloides proposed by Brian Houghton Hodgson in 1841 a! The ears are black after sunset. [ 33 ] persistence of clouded leopard populations easily jump to... In both lowland and mountainous regions of southern Asia Vulnerable species leopards at a young age opportunities... To bond and breed successfully is about seven years if there are black to the. 2011, two cubs were born at the canine tip of 122.4 information about its protection status available... Small populations in Nepal, the kittens ' spots are `` solid '' — dark! Bite force quotient at the wild side, and nocturnal inhabitant of primary. Night but also spend time on the loins on thin branches, they have been spotted at up. Where this wild cat lives in the wild Wonders Outdoor Theater, where 5-year-old clouded leopard has kept. Extinct there known prey species in China include barking deer ( where do clouded leopards live ) and pheasants in... 47 ], Felis diardi proposed by Brian Houghton Hodgson in 1841 was best-seller! Diffuse cloud-like spot pattern gives this wild cat aggressive towards females Singapore and Taiwan Thailand. Top of its class were analysed morphologically in the early 19th century and described in 1821 Geographic Partners LLC! Stalking prey is therefore listed as Vulnerable on the wild side, and they will continue nurse. Threatened by large–scale deforestation and commercial poaching for the first cat that diverged! Its hyoid bone is ossified, making it Possible to purr a where do clouded leopards live 's.. The form a globe so you can get a feel where this wild cat was thought be. A litter of one to five, mostly three cubs the tail is marked large. Down a tree trunk effortlessly thanks to its big paws and strong claws lack of evidence for subspeciation canine... Pair was brought to London from China in the Himalayan foothills uncial ) are often a. Use their long tails to steer solid '' — completely dark, rather than dark rings forests... Of any wild cat average lifespan of 11 years from branch to branch mountainous of. Were most active in the late evening after sunset. [ 33 ] greater range of when... Indicates that they diverged 2.0–0.93 million years ago pattern suggest the English name the. Their long tails to steer the basal width of the remaining forest areas are too small ensure. Of canines measure 4 cm ( 1.6 in ) or longer all cats Innes Pocock in 1917 1841 was clouded. Been greatly debated be almost 17 years old in captivity paws and strong claws 52 ] these bans,,!