Clouded Leopard Facts

Clouded leopards are often mistaken as a type of leopard, but, in fact, they are medium-sized wild cats. They are members of the genus Neofelis in the sub family Pantherinae of the cat family Felidae. Along with clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa) with three subspecies, the genus Neofelis has another species called Bornean clouded leopard. The name clouded leopard is derived from the cloud-shaped markings on their coat, which is often found to be tawny. These markings are large and irregular with dark edges. When compared to the small cat species, these felines are large in size, but are smaller than the big cats.

More About Clouded Leopards

They are medium-sized wild cats found in some regions of the South-East Asia like China, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Nepal and Vietnam. Now, we know that the genus Neofelis has two species, clouded leopards and Bornean clouded leopards (Neofelis diardi). It was in 2006, that these animals found in Sumatra, Batu and Borneo islands were classified as a separate species, called Bornean clouded leopards. This species is said to be having a distinct skull structure, as compared to regular ones.

These animals are mostly found on trees (arboreal). They lead an arboreal life, as they are considered as the most excellent climbers among the members of the cat family Felidae. They have very good arboreal skills, that help them in hunting prey too. Clouded leopard habitat includes the evergreen tropical forests of South-East Asia. They are rarely seen, as they spend most of the time on trees. So, very little is known about these wild cats, that lead solitary lives. However, during mating season, clouded leopards hunt together and the cubs are also seen with the mother. These animals are said to be very secretive too.

Physical Features

As mentioned above, clouded leopards are medium-sized and they grow to a height (shoulder) of around 25 to 40 inches. An average adult can have a body weight, that can range between 15 to 24 kilograms. They have a distinct skull structure, as compared to other felines and so are classified as a separate genus. Their jaw structure enables them to open their mouth wider than any other cat species. One of the interesting clouded leopard facts is that these wild animals have the longest canine teeth (proportional to skull size), as compared to other living felines. The length of their canine teeth is around two inches, which is similar to that of tigers. But, tigers are almost ten times larger than clouded leopards in size. These teeth help these wild cats in killing and eating prey.

They have short and strong legs, that are very flexible. The large paws and sharp claws help them in climbing and hanging upside down on trees. These animals can climb trees, while hanging upside down too. Even the long and strong tail helps them in balancing, during their movement among trees. One of its unique features is the long tail, which can be as long as the body length of the animal and is said to be the longest among the cats (in proportion to body size).

These animals are said to hunt a wide range of animals and birds, especially, the arboreal and terrestrial mammals. Captive clouded leopards are also fed with eggs and some vegetables. Their gestation period is around 85 to 93 days and the litter size can range between one to five cubs, that are dependent on their mother for around ten months. However, clouded leopards are classified as vulnerable species, as their population is dwindling, due to habitat loss, illegal hunting and other human interventions.